YOUNGSTOWN – Liberty resident Shirlene Hill said the gathering this weekend of the local A Parent of a Lost Loved One (APOLLO) was “just what the doctor ordered.”

Hill, whose son Jamail Johnson was killed in a fraternity home near Youngstown State University on Feb. 6, 2011, said the event held at the YWCA of Youngstown “helped me to know that we are not alone and we are here for each other.”

Hill was among 20 people who attended the first event of the APOLLO group.

“We are helping one another,” she said, adding that she met group founder, Debra Thompson-Hines, who told her about the grief support event.

Hines said the event was for anyone who has suffered grief from the loss of a loved one.

She said those who attended the event released balloons with names on them in memory of loved ones, including herself who lost her son, Charles Thompson, at age 12 in an accident at the YWCA 14 years ago.

“As I looked at the community I realized there was not enough support for individuals who lost a loved one,” she said adding she is planing to set up additional programs and avenues of support to help anyone who lost a spouse, sibling, parent or child.

She said the weekend event was the kickoff for APOLLO.

“This was a way to show support, inspiration and encouragement,” she said where participants shared stories while also receiving massages and makeovers.

“We all have been through something in common and we can be strength for one another. We can be the support angels to each other who has experienced the loss of a loved one,” Thompson-Hines said.

Hill said she wants to help others.

She said her son’s death received a lot of attention and publicity but there are others who have experienced losses in their lives.

“Everyone grieves at a different level. We are all in this together and here to help one another. That is so important,” Hill said indicating she has seen what others have gone through with the different levels of grief.

For information on the group, call 800-939-7737.

bcoupland@tribtoday.com