On July 10, 2006, Meg, Emily, and Sam’s father, Dave Hanna, committed suicide. Meg, Emily, and Sam were 14, 12, and 10 at the time.  “Their dad just had a secret, and that was depression; he just couldn't hide it anymore. It was a big shock to all of us and we tried many treatments, but nothing helped,” said their mother, Karen Hanna. Though reluctant at first, the Hanna family made the trip from Wichita, Kansas to Richmond, Virginia for their first camp in June, 2007. Since then, they’ve returned two more times.

“Comfort Zone Camp has given my children their smiles back, this is what is important to me—to have them know that they can smile and have fun again, and that there are other kids out there who understand and share the same struggles. Comfort Zone let them know that they can still laugh about the fun times they had with their dad. At camp, no one is judged, and no stories are better or worse. It is like other camps, with games, friends, and fun, but the best part is the healing that goes on under the smiles,” said Karen.

“Because of Comfort Zone, I have made friends that I can talk with about my loss. Camp has helped me realize that I can’t just take care of others; I have to let others help me. It has also helped me deal with my feelings, and let me know that it is okay to have fun even though my Dad is gone.” -Meg Hanna, age 17

“Comfort Zone Camp has completely changed my life. In just a few days, I made lifelong friends that I can tell anything to. I met people that I can relate to because we have something in common, and I still talk to these friends on a regular basis. It is a big relief to know that I am not the only one going through this, and without Comfort Zone, I do not know how I would have gotten through my father’s death.” -Emily Hanna, age 15

At Emily’s first camp she would not talk about how her dad died. At her second camp, she told her Big Buddy, Allie, privately. Then, in Healing Circle, Emily let campers ask Allie questions about her dad’s death. This summer, Emily really wanted to be strong enough to tell her story by herself, and was able to with Allie by her side.

"My Big Buddy, Allie, is like my best friend.  She has watched me grow and has been right by my side each year.  Without her, I would not be able to tell my story as comfortably as I do now."

 “Comfort Zone Camp has helped me deal with the loss of my dad. It is fun and crazy, and you will always find good friends at CZC.” -Sam Hanna, age 13

“I now have three teenagers, and people say how good they seem to be dealing with their dad’s death—I always say that Comfort Zone has made them who they are: strong and happy people.” -Karen Hanna, Mother

Before camp this year, the Hanna family went to Virginia Beach with the families of a few girls Meg and Emily had befriended the year before.

“It was the best experience. It was awesome meeting their families and sharing a vacation with them. One of the girls had a brother Sam’s age—it was perfect. The moms were great too, and we all just had a great time healing and laughing together.

It was a very powerful thing to witness how strong these girls are in helping each other—it’s a beautiful testament for the love they have for their dads.”  –Karen Hanna

(Meg dedicates her song to all of their dads before she sings)