{"id":18260,"date":"2025-03-17T19:01:10","date_gmt":"2025-03-17T23:01:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thealfam.com\/evermore\/public\/?p=18260"},"modified":"2026-07-28T13:15:10","modified_gmt":"2026-07-28T17:15:10","slug":"honoring-the-legacy-of-emily-westfal-a-social-work-pioneer-in-bereavement-care","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thealfam.com\/evermore\/honoring-the-legacy-of-emily-westfal-a-social-work-pioneer-in-bereavement-care\/","title":{"rendered":"Honoring the Legacy of Emily Westfal: A Social Work Pioneer in Bereavement Care"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]\n

Honoring the Legacy of Emily Westfal: A Social Work Pioneer in Bereavement Care<\/h1>\n

By Evermore and Nora Biette-Timmons<\/span><\/p>\n

Every March, we recognize<\/span> Social Work Month<\/span><\/a>\u2014a time to celebrate the dedication, compassion, and tireless efforts of social workers. This year\u2019s theme, \u201cCompassion and Action,\u201d is a perfect reflection of the life and legacy of Emily Westfal, a beloved social worker at New York Presbyterian Hospital (NYP) at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Emily co-founded the NYP Social Work Bereavement Committee in 2012 alongside her close colleague, Lauren Yuill. Tragically, Emily passed away from leukemia in 2015 at the age of 33, but her legacy continues to impact patients, families, and hospital staff.<\/span><\/p>\n

This year marks ten years since Emily\u2019s passing, making it a meaningful time to reflect on the incredible work she accomplished and how it continues to thrive today.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

A Lifelong Dedication to Social Work<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"\"Emily Ann Westfal was born in Manhattan and spent her early years in Richmond Hill, Queens, before moving to New Canaan, Connecticut, at the age of four. From an early age, Emily displayed an innate sense of empathy and a sharp wit that endeared her to everyone she met. She was the child who consoled her classmates when they scraped their knees, the friend who stayed up late talking through heartaches, and the advocate who never hesitated to speak up for others.<\/span><\/p>\n

Emily\u2019s career was defined by her unwavering commitment to supporting patients and their families, particularly within the heart transplant team at NYP-Columbia. Recognizing the importance of end-of-life care, she furthered her education by obtaining a post-master\u2019s certificate in Palliative and End-of-Life Care from NYU in 2013. Her work was driven by the belief that bereavement care is an essential part of healthcare\u2014a belief that continues to shape NYP\u2019s approach to grief support today.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

A Friendship Rooted in Compassion and Action<\/b><\/h3>\n

During Emily\u2019s time on the transplant and palliative care teams at NYP, she met Lauren, and they quickly became close friends. Lauren described their bond as that of “work wives,” but Emily\u2019s warmth and kindness meant she had “many work wives.” Their shared commitment to patient care led them to recognize a critical gap in bereavement services at the hospital. Families who had lost loved ones often received little to no bereavement support, and staff members frequently carried their own unspoken grief.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBereavement care: everyone thinks someone else is in charge,\u201d Lauren said, highlighting the widespread assumption that grief support falls to another department, another individual. Emily and Lauren knew otherwise. They believed that \u201cbereavement care is healthcare\u201d and set out to create a volunteer-driven bereavement care group within NYP\u2019s social work staff. Together, they knew they had to act.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

Establishing a Lasting Legacy: The NYP Social Work Bereavement Committee<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"\"Founded in 2012, the NYP Social Work Bereavement Committee introduced a variety of grief support initiatives, including:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  • \u00a0<\/span>An <\/span>annual memorial service<\/b> for families of deceased patients.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Grief support groups<\/b> for hospital staff coping with loss.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Continuing education lectures<\/b> on topics like anticipatory grief, legacy work, and children\u2019s grief.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • \u00a0<\/span>A <\/span>hospital-wide bereavement card<\/b>, which includes a dedicated bereavement phone line and email, providing families with a direct way to seek grief support and community referrals.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Emily and Lauren\u2019s dedication to this work was deeply personal. \u201cBoth Emily and I bonded over the different types of grief we experienced early in our lives and how grief can shape children,\u201d Lauren recalled.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \u201cI could tell that it was not just a job for her; she was a strong advocate for her patients and families,\u201d shared Jackie Bioh, Emily\u2019s social work manager. \u201cShe was a dedicated staff member and colleague who was not afraid to share her thoughts.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

    \u201cShe had the best sense of humor, and we always found something to laugh about<\/span>\u2014<\/span>even in the most unlaughable situations,\u201d said former coworker Suah Hwang. \u201cShe was brave and daring when it came to sticking up for people who needed her. She was an exceptional coworker and an even more exceptional friend.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

    \u201cEmily had an unstoppable fearlessness,\u201d reflected former coworker Sharon Staley. \u201cI watched her do soulful work because she didn’t know any other way. I carry her with me every day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

    Emily\u2019s father, Richard, remembers how even as a teenager, Emily had a way of making sure people felt seen and heard. \u201cShe would sit with her grandmother for hours, holding her hand, asking her questions about her past, and making sure she never felt alone.\u201d Her mother, Debbie, recalls Emily\u2019s ability to find humor even in the darkest moments, once jokingly declaring that she wished she could \u201cbottle up\u201d the comfort she gave to patients so that grief could feel just a little less heavy.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    <\/h3>\n

    Facing Grief Firsthand<\/b><\/h3>\n

    While working as a transplant social worker, Emily was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. She underwent treatment while continuing to work, eventually achieving remission. But in late 2014, she faced another devastating diagnosis: leukemia. Despite undergoing treatment, Emily passed away on July 2, 2015, surrounded by her loved ones.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Her death was a profound shock to those who knew and loved her. She was not only a dedicated social worker but also a triathlete who had recently completed the NYC Marathon. Her colleagues struggled to reconcile the loss of such a vibrant presence.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \u201cOne of the chaplains at NYP was the one to tell me when Emily died,\u201d Lauren shared. \u201cWalking through the hospital was hard\u2014every corner was filled with memories of her. There was no escaping grief, especially as I worked directly in helping others with grief.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

    The very bereavement committee Emily helped build was now faced with the challenge of processing their own loss. The head of NYU\u2019s Zelda Foster Palliative and End-of-Life program, where Emily had studied, came to NYP to provide support sessions. \u201cWe were not able to fully do it on our own, being personally impacted,\u201d Lauren said.<\/span><\/p>\n

    <\/h3>\n

    Continuing Emily\u2019s Work<\/b><\/h3>\n

    One of Emily\u2019s grea<\/span>test lessons was that avoidance was not an option. \u201cShe had a way of always making each person feel so cared for and special\u2014her patients, families, coworkers, and of course, her family and friends,\u201d Lauren recalled.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"\"To honor Emily\u2019s dedication, NYP established the <\/span>annual Emily Westfal Bereavement Lecture<\/b>, aimed at empowering social workers and case managers to better support grieving families. Lauren continues to carry Emily\u2019s legacy forward: \u201cSometimes, I don\u2019t know how she found the energy, but it always seemed effortless. She was the first person to advocate and fight for something she felt strongly about, especially in the realm of social justice and healthcare delivery.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

    Emily\u2019s father, Richard, once described her as having a \u201cstrong moxie streak,\u201d recounting a story from her college days when she boldly challenged a bouncer over a fake ID. Her brother, Charlie, shared how she used humor even in difficult times, joking about having a \u201ccancer card\u201d that could get her special treatment. These anecdotes reflect the essence of who Emily was\u2014fierce, funny, and full of life.<\/span><\/p>\n

    <\/h3>\n

    A Life That Continues to Inspire<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Emily\u2019s sister, Maggie, shared that \u201c<\/span>Emily’s work in social work has truly made me a better doctor. \u2026 She would share stories with me about ways in which physicians were helpful or not helpful and taught me so many lessons about caring for my patients. I am a firm believer in palliative care as a result of Em’s work and her personal experience and believe that my patients have directly benefited as a result.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    Emily was <\/span>\u201csensible, and tuned in to the bigger picture,\u201d said her brother Josh.<\/span> He said that the two of them, who were very similar and close as children\u2014perhaps because they were only 15 months apart\u2014 \u201cloosened up and lightened up,\u201d adding, \u201cWe had the most fun later in her life. \u2026 Emily got better year by year, in every way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

    \u201cH<\/span>alloween was when Emily’s personality and sense of humor always shined the brightest,\u201d her brother Michael added.<\/span> According to her mom, Debbie, \u201cShe would attend a party each year and most of the women would dress up in very flattering costumes, not Em.\u201d This included roping Maggie into being Cookie Fleck, Catherine O\u2019Hara\u2019s character from the film <\/span>Best in Show<\/span><\/i>, with Emily as her husband. \u201cThis explains so much about Em and her love of all Christopher Guest movies and not needing to always look her best. She did this to make people laugh,\u201d her mom said.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"\"Today, her loved ones honor her memory by visiting a bench dedicated to her along the Charles River in Boston and by celebrating her love of life\u2014often with her favorite beer, Magic Hat #9, during the holidays. <\/span>There is also a scholarship in Emily\u2019s name at a school outside Boston that supports students thinking about going into medicine or social work.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Lauren sums it up best: \u201cEmily was fierce! In her love, advocacy, and opinions. Ten years ago, Emily died and left behind a legacy of giving.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

    As we recognize Social Work Month and reflect on Emily\u2019s incredible impact, we are reminded that even in a short time, one person can create ripples that last a lifetime. \u201cThe ripples of her dedication, knowledge, and deep compassion carry on,\u201d Lauren said. \u201cMoments to reflect like this, even years later, make grieving a little more bearable to coexist with.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

     [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_color=”#FAF8F6″ bg_image=”20962″ bg_image_type=”default” bg_position=”center center” background_image_loading=”default” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”5%” constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”5%” left_padding_desktop=”10%” constrain_group_2=”yes” right_padding_desktop=”10%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” enable_gradient=”true” color_overlay=”#FAF8F6″ color_overlay_2=”#FAF8F6″ overlay_strength=”0.95″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”center” phone_text_alignment=”center” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][nectar_gradient_text heading_tag=”h2″ color=”extra-color-gradient-1″ gradient_direction=”horizontal” text=”Get the Latest Updates”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1784681150948{margin-top: 15px !important;}” text_direction=”default”]\n

    Keep up to date on the latest legislative actions, news, resources, and events advancing bereavement care in America.<\/h4>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”center” phone_text_alignment=”center” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”right” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”right” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” content_layout=”default” gradient_type=”default”][nectar_cta btn_style=”arrow-animation” arrow_animation_alignment=”left” heading_tag=”span” link_type=”new_tab” button_color=”accent-color” button_color_hover=”#247CC1″ text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_color_hover=”#FFFFFF” button_border_thickness=”2px” alignment=”center” alignment_tablet=”default” alignment_phone=”default” display=”block” display_tablet=”inherit” display_phone=”inherit” link_text=”Sign Up Now” font_size_desktop=”1.1em” url=”https:\/\/thealfam.com\/evermore\/mailing-list\/” padding_top=”0.65em” padding_bottom=”0.65em” padding_left=”1.5em” padding_right=”1.5em”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Honoring social worker Emily Westfal’s legacy of compassion in bereavement care\u2014advocating for grief support and building a stronger community.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":18267,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[108,107,101,190],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-18260","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-community","category-family","category-grief","category-stories"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thealfam.com\/evermore\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18260","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thealfam.com\/evermore\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thealfam.com\/evermore\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thealfam.com\/evermore\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thealfam.com\/evermore\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18260"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/thealfam.com\/evermore\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18260\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21678,"href":"https:\/\/thealfam.com\/evermore\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18260\/revisions\/21678"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thealfam.com\/evermore\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18267"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thealfam.com\/evermore\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18260"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thealfam.com\/evermore\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18260"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thealfam.com\/evermore\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18260"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}