Navigating Anticipatory Grief: A Conversation with Kate Snedeker

This week, Grieve Leave founder, Rebecca Feinglos, sat down with Kate Snedeker, the President and Founder of Gray for Glioblastoma (@grayforglioblastoma) on our Instagram for a live interview. If you missed us live on the ‘Gram, it’s not too late to check it out…(Also: Are you and all your friends following us yet? No, we’re not subtle here at Grieve Leave.)

Kate shared her personal experiences with anticipatory grief, grieving her father’s diagnosis with brain cancer, how her grief evolved after his death, and her journey in establishing the Gray for Glioblastoma organization. Kate shed light on the nuances of advocacy as a form of grieving. 

You can watch the full interview HERE and read three of our favorite takeaways from the conversation below:

"Some days, grief feels suffocating, and all I want to do is stay in bed. Other times, I find comfort in doing things that bring me joy... I just listen to myself."

These words resonate deeply, capturing the ups and downs of grieving. Some days can feel overwhelmingly heavy, making it hard to do anything else but withdraw. Yet, there are moments when we can lean into joy– whether it’s enjoying an activity we once did with our person or just finding happiness in our new reality. It's about giving ourselves the freedom to embrace our emotions and follow our instincts, without judgment or pressure to conform to any predefined expectations. 

"I think there's definitely a different type of grief when you're at the turning point in your life, in your twenties and thirties, and trying to connect with others, start a career, and navigate major life changes. It's really the busiest time in your life, and it's very different from losing someone when you are already settled down and have a stable life."

There are unique challenges of grief that we face as young adults–a time when we're embarking on new journeys and shaping our futures. And while grief at any age is valid and significant, grief during these young adult years can be overwhelming. 

“I've always been a really big therapy proponent, but with anticipatory grief, therapy became counterproductive for me because I didn't want to find a fix. I just wanted to be allowed to be upset and figure out ways to cope with the anticipation and pain."

This raw and honest reflection reminds us that grief doesn't always need a solution; it simply requires understanding and acceptance.

These are just a few of the powerful quotes that resonated with us from our interview with Kate. Her heartfelt words highlight the unique experience of grief, in all its forms, during life's turning points and changes.

To support Kate and her mission with Gray for Glioblastoma, head over to her Instagram (@grayforglioblastoma) or visit her website.