Our Story
February 1, 2007
Hosted by Drs. Gloria and Heidi Horsley
[Download MP3] [itunes] [Bookmark Episode]
Episode Description
For Valerie Sobel, life imploded when doctors found that her 17-year old son Andre had a brain tumor. He died one year later. In trying to decide how best to memorialize Andre, Valerie thought about the financial resources that had enabled her to spend that final year with him. Wanting others to have this same opportunity Valerie founded the Andre Sobel River of Life Foundation. The Foundation supports everything from food and shelter to ballet lessons for a patient’s sibling. “We try to be sensitive to what government can never be expected to support,” notes Ms. Sobel. “Our society is only as humane as our treatment of those so diminished by crisis that they cannot speak for themselves.”
Open to Hope
Archives available on VoiceAmerica Health and Wellness Network
“Open to Hope” is a show dedicated to those who have suffered a loss. The show is hosted by Dr. Gloria Horsley, Marriage and Family Therapist and her daughter Dr. Heidi Horsley, adjunct professor at Columbia University’s school of Social Work. Dr. Gloria and Dr. Heidi are published authors and international experts in grief, loss and recovery. Hear bereaved family members and experts share inspirational stories of loss, hope and recovery. Learn what you can do to cope and to establish a new normal. Dr. Gloria and Dr. Heidi dedicate their show to their deceased son, and brother Scott, and to all those who have lost loved ones and are looking for hope. They welcome you to lean on their hope until you have found your own.
Drs. Gloria and Heidi Horsley
Dr. Gloria Horsley, BSN, MS, MA, CNS, MFT, MIM, Ph.D. is a bereaved parent and has worked in family therapy for 22 years. She holds graduate degrees from the University of Rochester, Syracuse, Greenwich and Holos Universities. Dr. Gloria serves The Compassionate Friends in a number of roles, including Board Director and chairperson for TCF’s annual program for professionals. Dr. Heidi Horsley, BS, MS, MSW, Psy.D. is a bereaved sibling and adjunct professor at Columbia University’s school of Social Work where she teaches courses including grief, loss, and bereavement. She holds graduate degrees from Columbia University, Loyola, and University of San Francisco. She also conducts seminars & workshops at The Compassionate Friends annual bereavement conferences.
