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Powerful portrayal of childhood grief, healing wins 2014 Emmy®

For release on September 18, 2014

HBO documentary “ONE LAST HUG” named outstanding children’s program for its look at The Moyer Foundation’s Camp Erin,® which has a location in Indianapolis

Indianapolis, IN---A film that takes a profound look at how death and grief affect children has been awarded the 2014 Emmy® for outstanding children’s programming.

“ONE LAST HUG: Three Days at Grief Camp,” offers an intimate portrayal of The Moyer Foundation’s Camp Erin® where grieving children find comfort, hope and healing to deal with their pain. The film premiered in April on HBO and is currently available via HBO Go and HBO On Demand.

Former World Series Champion pitcher Jamie Moyer and his wife, Karen, founded Camp Erin in 2002 after meeting 15-year-old Erin Metcalf, a terminally ill cancer patient who expressed concerned about her sisters and how they would cope with the loss of their sister.

“We are so grateful to the academy for this honor,” said Karen Moyer. “We believe no child should grieve alone, and it is our goal to make it possible for more kids to find comfort and begin healing at Camp Erin.”

The Moyer Foundation now has 43 Camp Erin locations across the country, including one in every Major League Baseball city, making it the nation’s largest network of free bereavement camps. Community Health Network partners with The Moyer Foundation to facilitate Camp Erin Indianapolis.

“Camp Erin Indianapolis is unique in that we offer a complementary Family Program that provides grief support and education to the caregivers of our campers,” says Kelly Petersohn, LCSW, camp director. “Our experts provide the caregivers, as well as campers, the necessary tools to enable ongoing healing as a family unit following camp weekend.”

Community Health Network just completed its 4th Camp Erin, and has now served almost 300 youth. “Through the work of the Moyer Foundation, as well as the Community Health Network Foundation and our donors, we appreciate the opportunity to serve these children and adolescents through this life-changing weekend that facilitates such joy, connection and healing,” says Petersohn.

In addition to Camp Erin, Community Health Network offers a comprehensive bereavement program with In Touch Bereavement (adult support) and Community Healing Hearts (youth support). Bereavement information and Camp Erin details can be found at eCommunity.com/grief.

Camp Erin is made possible by corporations, individuals and other foundations, namely the New York Life Foundation, whose support has been critical to Camp Erin’s national growth and expansion to reach more children. The New York Life Foundation began focusing on childhood bereavement in 2008 and has since committed more than $20 million to the cause nationwide.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, an estimated 1.5 million children lose a parent each year, and countless others lose a relative, friend or someone else close to them. Research indicates that without support, grieving children are at a much greater risk for depression, poverty, suicide and substance abuse.

Directed by Academy® Award Nominee Irene Taylor Brodsky and produced by Greg DeHart and Paul Freedman, “ONE LAST HUG” illuminates a child’s unique perspective on death and is a testament to the healing power of friendship. The film highlights Camp Erin Los Angeles, which is run by OUR HOUSE Grief Support Center, one of the many local partners nationwide that make the Camp Erin program possible.

About Community Health Network
Ranked among the nation’s most integrated healthcare systems, Community Health Network is Central Indiana’s leader in providing convenient access to exceptional healthcare services, where and when patients need them - in hospitals, health pavilions and doctor’s offices, as well as workplaces, schools and homes. As a non-profit health system with over 200 sites of care and affiliates throughout Central Indiana, Community’s full continuum of care integrates hundreds of physicians, specialty and acute care hospitals, surgery centers, home care services, MedChecks, behavioral health and employer health services. To learn more, visit eCommunity.com or call 800-777-7775.

About The Moyer Foundation
The Moyer Foundation is a public, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to provide comfort, hope and healing to children affected by loss and family addiction. Founded in 2000 by World Series champion pitcher Jamie Moyer and his wife Karen, The Foundation created and supports two signature programs. Camp Erin® is the nation's largest network of free bereavement camps for grieving children and teens ages 6 - 17. Camp Mariposa® is a free, first-of-its-kind program for children ages 9-12 impacted by a family member's addiction. For more information on The Moyer Foundation and its programs, please visit www.moyerfoundation.org.

About The New York Life Foundation
Inspired by New York Life’s tradition of service and humanity, the New York Life Foundation has, since its founding in 1979, provided $185 million in charitable contributions to national and local nonprofit organizations. The Foundation supports programs that benefit young people, particularly in the areas of educational enhancement and childhood bereavement. The Foundation also encourages and facilitates the community involvement of employees, agents, and retirees of New York Life through its Volunteers for Good program. To learn more, please visit www.newyorklifefoundation.org.

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Katy Troxell
Media Relations