Roberto Clemente Jr. to share personal story of grief for Pittsburgh event

Highmark Health, through its Highmark Caring Place, has announced that Roberto Clemente Jr., son of baseball legend Roberto Clemente, will serve as the keynote speaker for the Caring Place’s 2025 Virtual Children’s Grief Awareness Day observation.

Streaming on Nov. 20, the event will feature Clemente Jr. speaking on video about the profound grief that followed his father’s tragic death, a loss that continues to resonate with him today. It will also feature a well-known dancer, author and other pro athletes.

At just seven years old, Roberto Clemente Jr. experienced the sudden loss of his father, pro baseball legend, Roberto Clemente, a pivotal moment he describes as changing his life forever. Clemente Jr. will candidly discuss the enduring impact of this loss.

“Grief never fully leaves us,” Clemente said, “but we don’t have to carry it alone. No child should ever have to grieve in silence.”

His powerful testimony aims to offer a beacon of hope and solidarity to grieving children worldwide.

“We are incredibly honored that Roberto Clemente Jr. has chosen Children’s Grief Awareness Day as the platform to share such a deeply personal and powerful story,” said Terese LaVallee, vice president and executive director of the Highmark Caring Place. “His willingness to open up about his own journey with grief, particularly regarding his iconic father, will resonate with countless children and families who are navigating their own losses. His message of resilience and advocacy embodies the spirit of our mission at the Highmark Caring Place.”

This year’s Children’s Grief Awareness Day is centered around the theme of “Champions of Hope,” celebrating the resilience of grieving children and the dedication of those who support them.

Roberto Clemente Jr. recently visited his father’s statue in front of PNC Park in Pittsburgh to champion the cause by holding a custom “Champions of Hope” world championship belt, proudly gifted by All Elite Wrestling (AEW) to the Highmark Caring Place and Children’s Grief Awareness Day.

He noted, “Courage isn’t just found in the ring. It lives in the hearts of children who choose to keep going after loss. Their resilience is heroic. Their spirit is like a champion. And I will continue to stand with them!”

Representatives said the powerful theme was brought to life in September with the incredible support of AEW Wrestling, who not only presented the custom “Champions of Hope” World Championship Belt but also welcomed children from the Highmark Caring Place to be the first to see it in person.

The memorable experience also included a special meet-and-greet with top AEW stars like AEW World Champion “Hangman” Adam Page, Powerhouse Hobbs, Jeff Jarrett, and Satnam Singh, underscoring AEW’s continued commitment to championing hope for kids and families who are grieving.

The 2025 Virtual Children’s Grief Awareness Day is a comprehensive program designed to support grieving children and educate communities, featuring a diverse lineup of impactful voices and organizations:

Keynote Speaker:

Roberto Clemente Jr. (Baseball Champion and Advocate)

Gianna Martello (renowned dancer, teacher and choreographer) Isaac Mattson (Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher) Maryah Greene (author of the powerful children’s book, Good Things) Rodney Gallagher (West Virginia University Mountaineers wide receiver)

The day’s extensive programming will also highlight crucial partnerships and initiatives:

Contributions from the National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG), Lionheart Camp For Kids out of Western Australia, and Good Grief, Grief Support Center for Children & Families out of New Jersey. A special Grief Talks podcast tailored for professionals, presented by the Highmark Caring Place. A powerful “Who is your Champion?” feature highlighting a DJ, a resilient Highmark Caring Place child and her personal story of loss and support.

Adding a unique and engaging element to awareness efforts, Ontario Hockey League (OHL) teams the Erie (Pennsylvania) Otters and Barrie (Ontario) Colts, will be competing to win the first-ever Children’s Grief Awareness Series.

Presented by the Highmark Caring Place and the Seasons Centre for Grieving Children in Barrie, ON, the series includes a playful Mayor vs. Mayor: Jersey Bet! Erie Mayor Joe Schember and Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall are putting their civic pride on the line: the mayor of the losing team will wear the winning city’s jersey for an entire workday, all to raise awareness. Series games are scheduled for Nov. 1 in Barrie and Nov. 21 in Erie.

In addition to virtual events, the Highmark Caring Place will host in-person Children’s Grief Awareness Day open houses at its facilities in Camp Hill, Erie, Pittsburgh and Warrendale. These open houses provide local communities with opportunities to connect, learn, and find support.

Camp Hill

The Highmark Caring Place in Central PA will host an open house, themed Champions of Hope, in honor of Children’s Grief Awareness Day on Thursday, November 20 from 6:00-7:30 pm. Families and volunteers of the Caring Place will join together for an evening of delicious food donated by the Best Western Premiere Central Hotel & Conference Center, cookie decorating activity in partnership with Jubilee Cake Studio, and a local Girl Scout troop creating a coping kit activity for kids.

Erie

In Erie, PA, the Highmark Caring Place will host an open house in honor of Children’s Grief Awareness Day on Thursday, November 20 from 5:30-8:00 pm. Families and volunteers of the Caring Place will join together for a fun evening recognizing Children’s grief with local partners and activities to include the Children’s Museum of Erie, Hope Therapy Dogs, a drumming circle from the Mercyhurst University music department, as well as fun crafts of bracelet making and more.

Pittsburgh

The Highmark Caring Place in Pittsburgh will host an open house in honor of Children’s Grief Awareness Day on Thursday, November 20 from 5:30-8:30 pm. This special open house is an opportunity for Caring Place families and volunteers of the Caring Place to come together, connect, and celebrate. Artists from The Andy Warhol Museum will be helping families silk screen their own Children’s Grief Awareness Day shirts, activities will be led by Contemporary Craft and Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild, and families will have fun with Face Painting and Caricatures.

Warrendale

In Warrendale, PA, the Highmark Caring Place will host an open house in honor of Children’s Grief Awareness Day on Thursday, November 20 from 4:00-8:00 pm. Families and volunteers of the Caring Place will join together for an evening filled with family friendly activities, refreshments, opportunities to honor and remember loved ones and a chance to reconnect with the community of support at the Caring Place.