The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations

Forever 15; A Lasting Tribute to Rader

December 27, 2020 Melissa Bottorff-Arey Season 1 Episode 12
The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations
Forever 15; A Lasting Tribute to Rader
Show Notes

Today I want to share my conversation with Susan Ward. Susan lost her son Rader on June 7, 2017 to suicide just one week shy of his 16th birthday on June 13. Rader was a creative, intuitive & intelligent child who thrived in Montessori school. Susan & her husband William first noticed Rader's struggles  after Rader entered public school. We talk about how they sought 'help' in every way they could yet, it somehow wasn't enough. We also discuss Susan's "tools" for living with her grief.

Rader's college fund was put to work & became The Rader Ward Foundation. The foundation serves as a lasting tribute to their son Rader...& Susan's wish is that in his memory they can reach as many kids in their area as possible that would thrive in a Montessori environment - kids who possibly could be saved by such an environment. She also actively uses her platform to promote resources for mental health & suicide awareness ... in fact it is the soul purpose of the foundations Instagram feed.

This is a thought provoking conversation.  I am sorry you are here, but glad you have found us.

You can find & connect with Susan at

Rader Ward Foundation - there are tons of resources for mental health & suicide prevention both here and on her Instagram Page

You can also find them at
 Facebook at Rader Ward Foundation


You can find & connect with me at:


The Leftover Pieces Instagram
or
The Leftover Pieces Podcast Webpage

If you or someone you know is struggling PLEASE reach out & talk to someone
The National Suicide Lifeline is there for you

IN a crisis you can also TEXT
TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA
in Canada TEXT 686868
in the UK TEXT 85258

And Grievers, I am always here. You can find me on Instagram at The Leftover Pieces

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