Welcome to The Healing Cross Project
Suffering is a universal phenomenon, in that every human being experiences the pain accompanying intense loss or struggle at some point in their lives. But the debilitating grief that comes from suffering alone should not be.
The Healing Cross Project’s mission is supporting people who are working toward overcoming the suffering in their lives. We provide financial and emotional support for people of all ages and backgrounds.
We understand the circumstances surrounding everyone’s suffering are their own, but what we choose to do with our suffering has all the impact in our lives, and the lives of others.
About Our Healing Cross Design
The Healing Cross Project wants every person of every background and life situation to know that you are never alone in this journey we call life.
Much like the hope and promise of faith that billions of people take from a form of the Cross in their daily lives, our Healing Cross symbolizes that sincere love between human beings can conquer the grief and hopelessness that come from suffering through life’s struggles alone.
Its design is credited to an anonymous child who left the drawing that would become the metal healing cross we give away today. Please click below to learn more about our Healing Cross.
A Dream of Guidance
Derrick came to me in a dream just days after his passing. I was searching for a way to honor him, and deep down, I knew he would guide me—I just had to be patient (which, for me, was no small task!).
The Healing Cross Project would be his legacy. But what would the cross look like? It needed to embody Derrick’s journey—his struggles, his strength, and ultimately, his peace. Many ideas were brought to me, but none felt quite right. That’s when fate stepped in.
An Unexpected Discovery
One day, while visiting a thrift store in Cave Creek, AZ—something I often did to find bargains for my swim school—I stumbled upon a bulletin board for just $2.00. It was wrapped in brown paper, and when the volunteer asked if I wanted her to unwrap it, I said no. For $2.00, I figured I’d do it at home.
A Profound Revelation
Driving back, I asked Derrick for clarity about what I was looking for. When I got home and unwrapped the board, I was speechless. There, on the board, was a child’s drawing of a cross—right in the center, a heart. I couldn’t have made this up if I tried! That was it. The inspiration I had been waiting for had appeared in the most unexpected of places.
With that drawing in hand, I turned to our dear friend Larry Duvall. In my dream, Derrick had told me that Larry would help me bring the Healing Cross to life—and that’s exactly what he did.
Bringing the Healing Cross to Life
The Healing Cross would be for everyone, shared freely with those in need. No money would ever change hands. Instead, we would rely on donations to spread Derrick’s message: You Are Never Alone. In a world where suffering is everywhere, it is our duty to care for and uplift one another.
A Gift from Us to You
For centuries, the cross has stood as a beacon of hope, faith, and strength. The Healing Cross continues this tradition, embodying the power of human connection and empathy in overcoming grief and suffering. We offer Healing Crosses free of charge to those who need them. If you or someone you love could benefit from this symbol of hope and renewal, we invite you to request one.
Request a Cross Form
If you would like to order the Healing Cross for yourself or someone you know, please complete the form below.
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A Message from the Courtney Family
On behalf of our family, including our son, brother, and uncle, Derrick Dean Courtney, we thank you for the generosity you have shown us during our time of grief, and for allowing us to, in turn, help others during their own times of suffering. Helen Keller said, “Faith, the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light.” We live by faith! Please know that your kindness has not gone unnoticed, and we truly cherish you in our lives.
May God Bless You!
Owen, Donnie, Nixon, Meredith, Nora, Val, Kim, Ryan, Charlie, Ryder, Lilly, Cheney and Jarod
