Cindy Crawford Opens Up About Overcoming 'Survivor Guilt' Following Her Brother's Tragic Passing

GettyImages-1796005777Cindy Crawford at 74th National Book Awards

Cindy Crawford Cindy Ord/Getty Images

Cindy Crawford recently shared about feeling "survivor guilt" after losing her brother to leukemia at a young age. In a candid interview on the Kelly Corrigan Wonders podcast on Saturday, May 11, the 58-year-old supermodel opened up about the inner turmoil she faced during her childhood.

Cindy, one of four siblings with sisters Chris and Danielle, shared about her father John Crawford's desire for a boy before her late brother Jeffrey was born.

During a conversation with hosts Kelly Corrigan, 56, and Christy Turlington Burns, Cindy mentioned her father's wish for a son. She expressed how there was a sense of guilt among the siblings, especially after Jeffrey's tragic passing. They felt like they should have been the boy their father wanted.

Cindy, who is married to Rande Gerber, said, "It was strange. For years, my sisters and I would all have the same nightmares, feeling like it could have been one of us."

She explained to her children, Kaia Gerber and Presley Gerber, that going to therapy recently made her think about the strong emotions she had ignored.

I was recently coaching during COVID and had some time to reflect. One question that stood out to me was, "What did you need to hear at that time that you didn’t hear?" It made me realize something important. My mom, who was only 26 and had just lost a child, wouldn't have known to say this, but what I needed to hear was, "Yes, we’re so sad that Jeff has died, but we’re so happy you are here."

Cindy, known as one of the original fashion icons, shared how differently death was viewed back then compared to today. She recalled going back to school after her brother passed away and no one except one kid mentioned it. She said, "I remember when I went back to school after my brother died, not one person said one thing to me, no kidding, except for one kid who was like, ‘I saw in the paper your brother’s dead. Is that true?’"

I was like, ‘Whoa.’ It was so in your face, but he didn’t know what to say. We were in third grade.

She also mentioned that not having open discussions back then has influenced how she parents. “By showing our kids how to not be afraid... sometimes it can make a difference.”

Cindy was only 8 years old when her brother Jeffrey was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 2.

If you or someone you know is going through a tough time or in crisis, remember that help is always available. You can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for support. Visit https://988lifeline.org/ for more information.

Editor's P/S:

Cindy Crawford's candid interview sheds light on the profound impact of childhood loss and the importance of open communication. Her raw honesty about the survivor guilt she experienced after losing her brother to leukemia at a young age resonates deeply. The article highlights the need for compassionate support and understanding during times of grief, especially for children who may struggle to process their emotions.

Crawford's reflection on the lack of open discussions about death in her childhood emphasizes the progress we have made in fostering a more empathetic and supportive environment for grieving individuals. By encouraging open dialogue and providing children with the tools to express their feelings, we can help them cope with loss and build resilience. Crawford's own journey through therapy serves as a powerful reminder of the healing power of seeking professional help and confronting the emotions we have long ignored.