August 29 marks the second anniversary of Hurricane Katrina hitting New Orleans. Unfortunately, many people from New Orleans are still struggling to put their lives back together. Norma Palumbo, 72, is a good example of a Katrina survivor who is slowly making a new life for herself in San Antonio with help from the Bereavement Support Group offered by Methodist Healthcare. She would make a good interview for your stories on the Katrina anniversary.

A long-time resident of New Orleans, Palumbo lost her husband of almost 50 years to colon and liver cancer in June 2004. She then unexpectedly lost her daughter-in-law to an aortic aneurysm in November 2004. She went through Hurricane Katrina in August 2005, losing her home. Though she tried to move back to New Orleans, all of her friends were scattered. “No one was left who knew me and my husband as a couple,” she said. Palumbo decided to move to Texas because her adult children live here. In March 2006, her daughter died. In January of this year, Palumbo had a minor heart attack. Though she turned to her remaining children, they did not have the time to provide the help that she needed because of their family commitments. In January, Palumbo began participating in a bereavement support group at Northeast Methodist Hospital. She says that the support group has put her in touch with people who care and who listen. She has been able to talk about her feelings and go on with her life.

With advance notice, Palumbo and Ann Hillestad, Ph.D., facilitator of the group, are available for interviews. Palumbo has photos of her former home in New Orleans and of loved ones that she is willing to share as visuals for the story. The bereavement support group is open to the public free of charge.

August 15 - Bereavement Support Group

Beginning August 15 and continuing each Wednesday for seven weeks. The support group is for individuals grieving the loss of a loved one. Presented by Methodist Healthcare, it is open to the public without charge. The series includes seven sessions and a memorial service. Separate groups meet at 10 a.m. at Northeast Methodist Hospital, 12412 Judson Road and at 4 p.m. at Metropolitan Methodist Hospital, 1310 McCullough. For information, phone 575-4030 or 492-3877.

August 16 - Bereavement Support Group

Beginning June 14 and continuing each Thursday for seven weeks. The support group is for individuals grieving the loss of a loved one. Presented by Methodist Healthcare, it is open to the public without charge. The series includes seven sessions and a memorial service. Separate groups meet at 10 a.m. and at 6:30 p.m. in Conference Room A, Methodist Healthcare System Offices, 8109 Fredericksburg Road. For information, phone 575-4030 or 492-3877.