Dr. Gloria Horsley is the founder of the Open to Hope Foundation. She created the non-profit organization after losing her son, Scott, in 1983. “We thought we would never survive,” she recalls, as her family was completely devastated. At the time, there wasn’t as much support and resources available as there are today. However, with the love of so many others, she was able to find hope again. The Open to Hope Foundation is an online community of support featuring videos, articles, a radio show, YouTube channel, and forums so the bereaved can “lean on our hope until you find your own.”

Even though there are many more sources of support today for the ones grieving, the Open to Hope Foundation remains one of the largest in North America. Dr. Heidi Horsley, Gloria’s daughter, was in college when Scott was killed in a car accident. She followed in her mother’s footsteps, pursuing a career in counseling and bereavement therapy. Today, Dr. Gloria Horsley is the Executive Director of the Open to Hope Foundation.

Finding Hope

Like many who are bereaved, the Horsleys found hope via service to others. It helps you find meaning once again, and has proven to be a great source of inspiration. Helping others who are new to the grieving process is a wonderful tactic. Plus, when you lose someone you love, you automatically become part of a community. There are many bereaved people who are happy to support one another. A life of service is one well worth living.

Even though it’s been decades since Scott’s death, both Drs. Horsley say that he remains their guiding light. Everything they do is in his honor, including their work with the Open to Hope Foundation. It’s one of many ways to ensure a loved one’s memory lives on.

 

Gloria Horsley

Dr. Gloria Horsley is an internationally known grief expert, psychotherapist, and bereaved parent. She started "Open to Hope" to help the millions in the world with grief. She is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Clinical Nurse Specialist, and has worked in the field of family therapy for over 20 years. Dr. Horsley hosts the syndicated internet radio show, The Grief Blog which is one of the top ranked shows on Health Voice America. She serves the Compassionate Friends in a number of roles including as a Board of Directors, chapter leader, workshop facilitator, and frequently serves as media spokesperson. Dr. Horsley is often called on to present seminars throughout the country. She has made appearances on numerous television and radio programs including "The Today Show," "Montel Williams," and "Sallie Jessie Raphael." In addition, she has authored a number of articles and written several books including Teen Grief Relief with Dr. Heidi Horlsey, and The In-Law Survival Guide.

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