NOTE FROM TED: Please do not look to this talk for mental health advice. While research remains ongoing, Prolonged Grief Disorder is currently recognized by the DSM-5 as a mental health condition. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdfThis source explores current research, as well as challenges and controversies associated with Prolonged Grief Disorder diagnosis: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10291380/This study provides more context on brain changes associated with Prolonged Grief Disorder https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0925492720301074Dealing with grief doesn’t mean forgetting or letting go. It means finding support to help manage and live with your memories and feelings. Brennan Wood knows this first-hand, from losing her mother at 12 years-old to eventually leading the very center that helped her to heal. Brennan reminds us that grief and love can exist side by side, and that we carry the people we’ve lost with us, always.******We could not do this without community support. With special thanks to the University of Oregon for their presenting partnership. The world-class stage production by For Good & Co. The incredible legacy bound Event Book provided by Premier Press. Lastly, the brand identity and creative digital craft provided by our Agency of Record - Thesis. All of our Partners and event history can be found at TEDxPortland.com. Brennan Wood first came to Dougy Center (the National Grief Center for Children & Families) in 1987 after her mother died just days after her 12th birthday. Brennan became Dougy Center’s Executive Director in 2015, after serving in various roles since 2004. She is the author of A Kids Book About Grief and holds leadership roles with The Children’s Collaborative and the National Alliance for Children’s Grief. Brennan received the 2020 Light-a-Fire Award for Extraordinary Executive Director and the 2022 Women of Influence Award. Brennan loves to honor her mother’s legacy by making every day a celebration. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx