I’m on an ongoing determined 10-year 98,000-mile cross-country mission to overcome PTSD and to try to become a guest on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. My symbolic goal.
A fortuitous moment of laughter from The Late Show stopped me from dying by suicide at 10:44pm on November 2, 2015. That comedic spark of hope ignited my mission. An uplifting mission that’s also been assisting and advocating for many other trauma survivors.
Along the way on this journey, I’ve learned how to re-engage with society after isolating badly because of the PTSD. Walking up to and engaging 34,860 strangers one by one. Those individuals from 128 countries have each heard my story and have shared their amazing stories of support for my determined efforts.
Their stories are written in 96 languages with 32 Sharpie marker colors on 523 giant foam boards. Together we have created a massive and powerful display of determination, exhilaration, discovery, unity, variety, ingenuity, laughter, hope, and love.
These tens of thousands of Good Samaritans are keeping me from suicide and guiding me toward my goal in NYC every day. Their support helped build a foundation upon which I’ve embraced many opportunities on this journey to speak out for survivors.
Testifying before a Senate Judiciary Committee and three times before the FDA. Throwing out the first pitch in front of 43,000 fans to represent male victims of sexual/domestic abuse. Giving a TEDx talk and presentations at 37 college campuses about resiliency and healing.
Fingers crossed. When I get that invitation from Stephen Colbert, I’ll take with me to this show all 34,860 stories. To inform, entertain, and inspire millions of his viewers to see that no one walks the path alone through trauma.
This mission represents the spirit of America. Tens of thousands of individuals from all walks of life united in their efforts to unconditionally help someone in need.
Their support has given me a sense of belonging once more. Giving me a purpose in life.
A fortuitous moment of laughter from The Late Show stopped me from dying by suicide at 10:44pm on November 2, 2015. That comedic spark of hope ignited my mission. An uplifting mission that’s also been assisting and advocating for many other trauma survivors.
Along the way on this journey, I’ve learned how to re-engage with society after isolating badly because of the PTSD. Walking up to and engaging 34,860 strangers one by one. Those individuals from 128 countries have each heard my story and have shared their amazing stories of support for my determined efforts.
Their stories are written in 96 languages with 32 Sharpie marker colors on 523 giant foam boards. Together we have created a massive and powerful display of determination, exhilaration, discovery, unity, variety, ingenuity, laughter, hope, and love.
These tens of thousands of Good Samaritans are keeping me from suicide and guiding me toward my goal in NYC every day. Their support helped build a foundation upon which I’ve embraced many opportunities on this journey to speak out for survivors.
Testifying before a Senate Judiciary Committee and three times before the FDA. Throwing out the first pitch in front of 43,000 fans to represent male victims of sexual/domestic abuse. Giving a TEDx talk and presentations at 37 college campuses about resiliency and healing.
Fingers crossed. When I get that invitation from Stephen Colbert, I’ll take with me to this show all 34,860 stories. To inform, entertain, and inspire millions of his viewers to see that no one walks the path alone through trauma.
This mission represents the spirit of America. Tens of thousands of individuals from all walks of life united in their efforts to unconditionally help someone in need.
Their support has given me a sense of belonging once more. Giving me a purpose in life.