Tampa families unite for ‘Bereavement Bowling’, healing together after child cancer loss

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — When it comes to illnesses, cancer is the leading cause of death among children.

Now, a group of Bay area families is working together to heal from their losses.

They’re gathering for bereavement bowling, where parents find a sense of unity and community through their shared grief.

Families at Pin Chasers bowling all have one thing in common. They’re coping with the pain that comes along with a lost battle with pediatric cancer.

“She was 4 years old, she had aggressive pediatric brain tumor, and she passed away five and a half months after diagnosis,” Bonnie Woodworth said.

That 4-year-old was Tatum Woodworth. Sunday’s bowling event brought together families like Tatum’s who have been down the same heartbreaking road.

“That was really a super devastating experience, and that loss was like no other loss you can imagine,” Bonnie said.

For many, it’s a rare opportunity to be around others who truly get what they’re going through.

“We walk around, we’re expected to be like the saviors of the family. We can save our child, and sometimes it doesn’t work out,” Tatum’s father, Scott Woodworth, said.

For the Fox family, the pain is still raw after recently losing their 10-year-old son

“Mason was diagnosed with cancer last April, and he fought hard and strong, and he passed away back this past February,” said Leslie Fox. “So about six months ago, and it’s been tough.”

The event was supported by the 1Voice Foundation, which provides community support to families battling pediatric cancer.

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