She's lived through unimaginable grief. Her advice: "Reach for the joy."

Kate Doerge, who has endured unimaginable grief after losing her father, mother, and daughter, has advice to share with others navigating their own pain. She emphasizes that grief is a deeply personal experience, but it is possible to hold onto joy even in the darkest of times. Doerge's journey to help others through grief began with the loss of her 16-year-old daughter, Penny, who battled a rare disease.

Doerge became a certified grief coach and authored a book, "Reimagining Grief," which offers guidance on moving through grief with agency rather than merely allowing it to consume one's life. She encourages people to reach for the joy, suggesting small ways to find solace in everyday moments, such as listening to favorite music, spending time outdoors, and connecting with loved ones.

A crucial aspect of her advice involves connecting with others, as human beings need support to navigate grief. Scientific research supports this notion, as connection can reduce prolonged grief, PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Doerge also encourages celebrating loved ones even during sadness and being open to signs that they are still present in our lives.

Physical movement can also play a vital role in easing emotional pain. By getting moving, people can push through emotional loss and demonstrate to themselves and others that they are still progressing. Finally, Doerge advocates turning pain into purpose, as seen in her own experience with her daughter's rare condition. She founded Penny's Flight Foundation to fund research for a cure and raise awareness about neurofibromatosis.

For those who wish to offer support to someone struggling with grief, Doerge suggests simple yet meaningful actions, such as reaching out with a text message, offering to accompany them on a walk, and letting them know that they are not alone in their journey.