This is Aiken, based in Buenos Aires, providing professional support for children, adolescents, and adults
By Paula Galinsky
Losing a loved one, navigating grief, processing it as a child or as an adult who is also in pain, and must offer support. Aiken was created as a space to help during the hardest times: it is the first foundation in Argentina and Latin America dedicated to assisting grieving families.
The personal experience of loss and grief that Aldana Di Costanzo, the founder, lived through was a major driver behind Aiken’s creation. “My father passed away when I was only six, and my stepfather died during my teenage years. The pain from those events was always present, and my desire to help others go through it in the best possible way is what led me to this field,” says Di Costanzo.
She wanted to “turn pain into a driving force for changing realities,” and her personal story, along with the challenges she faced, led her to create a space for anyone in need of support, regardless of their financial situation.
Aiken’s Work and the Timing of Therapy
Aiken means “life” in Mapuche and Tehuelche languages, and the name was chosen to reflect the intention of “re-signifying the life of the person who stays.” From this perspective, the foundation provides comprehensive support to children, adolescents, and adults experiencing grief.
Since the beginning, the project has used a paired approach, working with both the child and the adult caregiver. “Many times, the parent lacks the emotional tools to support their child because they are also suffering. That’s where Aiken steps in to help,” explains Aldana.
The foundation welcomes anyone experiencing grief, no matter when the loss occurred. “A child may come to us with a recent loss or one that happened years ago: when suffering becomes a symptom, it’s time to begin the support process,” she explains.
Similarly, there is no set timeframe for therapy; patients are accompanied until they are able to articulate their emotions and healthily remember their loved ones. “Grief has no set timeline—it shifts,” says Di Costanzo, emphasizing that each story is unique and that the approach is tailored to the individual’s needs.
A Day at Aiken
Group sessions for children include playful activities and dynamics that help them express their feelings and talk about their loved ones.
Meanwhile, adults attend peer meetings that take place simultaneously. Every two weeks, a joint session is held to encourage family communication.
“The pain can be so great that many families are unable to talk to each other. We try to open up that channel of dialogue,” she notes.
Aiken in First Person
Marina (48) found a safe space at Aiken while grieving the death of her ex-partner and father of her two children, aged 11 and 15. “My ex-husband was very ill, his passing was inevitable, and a friend connected me with the foundation,” Marina recalls.
The support process began with an intake interview in February 2020. “It was a difficult time—we felt lost and needed help,” she shares.
For her, Aiken was essential during that phase, which coincided with COVID-19 lockdowns: “The first and only in-person session was in March, then the pandemic hit and we continued virtually.”
During the sessions, parents shared their experiences, and therapists guided the group with adapted playful activities. “The group was effective because many of us were going through the same thing. Some were separated parents, like me, or had experienced sudden deaths. Pain brought us together,” she says.
“It was a long process, but in the end, it brought great relief. Understanding grief allowed me to give it the space it needed,” Marina adds.
Social Impact and the Need for More Resources
Aiken has a team of over 30 people, including psychologists, coordinators, and volunteers, who work with around 200 patients. The foundation also offers training, consulting, and workshops for companies and institutions in Argentina and other Latin American countries.
“Aiken doesn’t just accompany pain—it works to ensure grief doesn’t become a burden for the future, but rather an opportunity to grow and live more fully,” shares Aldana.
How to Contribute
Aiken, founded in 2008, has grown significantly, bringing new challenges, especially regarding the project’s financial sustainability. Although the foundation is supported by sponsors and some patients contribute symbolic donations, funding remains a key issue. “We pay low professional fees, which makes it hard to maintain the quality we aim for,” Aldana explains.
That’s why, in addition to individual contributions, Aiken has begun offering training and consulting services to businesses and public agencies to generate additional income. To support Aiken’s work—either by hiring their services or making a donation—you can reach out via their website: https://www.fundacionaiken.org.ar
