Many people know Fred Guttenberg as the popular gun reform and school safety activist who became known after speaking at the Parkland School Shooting Memorial, where his daughter passed away as a victim to gun violence. What many people do not know is that only four months before his daughter, Jaime, passed away, Fred’s brother Michael lost his battle with pancreatic cancer, induced by the conditions on 9/11, where he was a first responder on that fateful day.
In Fred’s newly released book, Find the Helpers, he discusses how we was able to overcome such grief through finding a purpose in life and by having people alongside him who fully supported him along that journey. Fred’s helpers were his family, friends, and even other activists and elected officials. One of these the biggest helpers was President-Elect Joe Biden. After Jaime’s passing, Biden called Fred directly to talk to him about grief, and how he was able to overcome the passing of his loved ones as well. Through their numerous conversations, Fred became a campaign surrogate for the Biden-Harris presidential campaign.
I had a chance to interview Fred to learn more.
Why did you write this book? – While planning Jaime’s funeral, the funeral director gave me a journal. I had never journaled before but this got me started. After a few months of journaling, I decided to write the book. My original intention was just to tell my story of being a part of two American tragedies with the loss of my brother to cancer from 9/11 and the murder of my daughter. However, the writing process brought me to the reality that my story is not possible without all of the people who were a part of it, my helpers.
Why is it so important for people to learn to look for the helpers? – Because we live in a society where we are connected to on another and need one another. Nobody needs to go through challenging moments alone. During this time of COVID, that is more clear then ever. We need our helpers and equally important, we need to be there as helpers for others when we are able. I can absolutely say that it was my helpers who carried me and they are the reason I am able to go forward today.
How can people find those in their lives that can help them through their challenges? – This is different for everyone but I would say you begin with family and friends. You need to be open to the idea of helpers. I never thought of people in my life that way before, but I do now. If you do not have family or friends that you rely on then I always suggest places of worship, community organizations, and google. Seriously, a google search can bring you to many organizations that are ready to help you. Another option is the resource section at the back of my book where we list many organizations that exist to help others.
How can people work towards a political system that is more focused on being helpers? – Regarding a political system more focused on helpers, the most important thing people can do is vote. We just did that and the result was Joe Biden who is a person who will encourage togetherness and helpers going forward. Our political system is about to become more decent, compassionate, and empathetic. The simple answer it always vote.
Get the book at the following sites:
- Find the Helpers on Amazon: https://amzn.to/
3nW7d3H - Find the Helpers in Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/2HwxUMI
- Find the Helpers in Target: https://bit.ly/2J5zCVw
- Find the Helpers on Indiebound: https://bit.ly/
3nQXYS9
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