What does it mean to experience loss and triumph as an elite athlete? And, can one person really make a difference in helping a young person achieve and excel?
In this episode, Judy Pedersen, founder and executive director of Hearts of Hope, interviews JD Hawkins, retired teacher, athletic coach and student mental health counselor.
JD’s expertise includes working with elite athletes and their challenges as they experience loss and triumph. Following a student athlete’s death by suicide, JD became a mental health counselor and initiated numerous suicide prevention programs offered in high schools and colleges.
Listen as Judy and JD discuss these numerous challenges and how young people cope and move forward with with tenacity, drive and grit.
If you or someone you know is struggling, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, with prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.
Your stories are what make the grief to grit podcast richer and bring hope and healing to all.
Please share your stories, experiences, and any grief questions to podcast@ourheartsofhope.org. or through our website at www.ourheartsofhope.org.
You can find grief to grit wherever you enjoy your podcasts.
The grief to grit podcast is a production of Hearts of Hope Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit organization offering a wide range of services to provide grievers the opportunity to find help, healing and hope.
Thank you for sharing a few minutes of your time and for making space to take care of your grief. Until next time, grieve on.