Dear Friends,
I recently had the opportunity to sit down with CBS’s The Donna Drake Show to talk about Lemons to Lemonade and the work we’re doing to support grieving children.
The interview was a thoughtful conversation about how Lemons to Lemonade began, why child-focused grief support matters, and the gap that still exists for kids who are navigating loss. We discussed our grief camps, the importance of community, and how early support can significantly impact how children grow, cope, and heal. It meant a lot to share how this work has grown from my own experience into a broader effort to bring understanding and support to children and families.
Like most interviews, the conversation started with great questions about the mission and the programs behind Lemons to Lemonade. But as the show came to a close, it took a turn that stayed with me. Donna shared on air that her husband, Tom, passed away when her children were young, and that she raised four children on her own. In that moment, the interview shifted from questions and answers into something deeply human — a reminder that we are all connected by grief, whether we talk about it openly or not.
That moment reaffirmed why this work matters so much. Grief is hard, especially for children, and it does not need to be swept under the rug. When grief is dismissed or avoided, kids can feel isolated and misunderstood. At Lemons to Lemonade, we believe children need to know that it is okay to be sad, that their feelings are valid, and that they are not alone — and that with support, they will be okay.
Normalizing grief is at the heart of everything we do. We want young grievers to feel seen and supported, and we want those who have not experienced loss to better understand how important compassion, patience, and care are for children who are grieving.
If you’d like to watch the full interview, it is available via the link on our website and on YouTube. I’m also sharing the conversation on our Instagram page as an ongoing reel series, with each short clip breaking down one question or theme from the interview so the conversation can continue.
I’m deeply grateful to Donna for creating space for such an honest and meaningful discussion, and I’m thankful to everyone who continues to support this mission and help ensure that grieving children know they are not alone.
With gratitude,
Sophia Donald
Founder & President
Lemons to Lemonade Foundation Inc.
Follow along on Instagram @lemons.to.lemonade_
