Testimonials

Steve Mariucci

Iron Mountain Mountaineer, Former College and NFL Coach Parent & Grandparent

On June 23rd, I had the opportunity to privately hear the presentation of “Do It For Daniel” from Ishpeming’s Head Football Coach Jeff Olson and his daughter Jaime. To say that I was touched emotionally beyond words, and convinced that action is necessary, is an understatement in regards to suicide prevention for our youth. My entire career has been spent around the student-athlete who’s parents entrust the coach to keep their kids ‘health and well being’ in mind: a responsibility I have never taken lightly. Also, as a father of four, I also know that each child is different with individually unique experiences as he/she grows into adulthood. Daniel Olson’s story encourages students, parents, teachers, coaches and administrators, to be more informed on the impact that depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses have on our youth and their families. We need to rid ourselves of the stigma that we shy away from this when 25% of our youth may experience some form of mental disorder. “Do It For Daniel” is a very much needed “Wake Up Call!” Everyone must be more aware and compassionate and we need to recognize and assist those who can use help at an early age. Teenage suicide in many cases is preventable and early detection and treatment is an absolute necessity. If it were up to me, every school system would be required to attend Jeff Olson’s presentation. It is well worth the couple of hours in order for our schools and communities to become better equipped to understand and recognize these early warning signs. Please give some serious thought as to how/when Coach Olson can share his story and experiences with your students this coming school year. It may be the single most important and informative assembly your students will ever attend. If it reaches one student in a time of need, or helps someone to recognize this in a friend or other student, it is worth it. It can save lives. Thank you. -Steve Mariuci

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I believe what Jeff showed and delivered to us is life-altering &quite possibly the absolute best assembly/professional development I have been blessed to be a part of in my 20+ years in education. I am so impressed with your message, presence, and not to mention the video/delivery, & ethic of care.

/  Brian Powderly (Principal, Monroe Schools,Ohio)  /

Jeff Olson’s presentation was one of the most effective and well received presentations we have hosted. I have never seen our student body so engaged, empathetic, and respecful during a large group student presentation. The documentary reinforced all of the essential messages to help people become better equipped to understand mental illness and recognize warning signs.

/  Melissa Oja (Principal, Hurley Schools, Wisconsin)  /

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For the past 17 years, I have been extensively involved in suicide prevention and its primary cause, untreated or under-treated mental illnesses. During this time, I’ve heard and seen many speakers and watched many videos on these subjects. I can honestly say that after watching your son’s story that nothing I have seen or heard resonated with high school students as much as “Do it for Daniel” did. I would recommend that every high school in America show it to their students and faculty. One of our goals is to tear down the shroud of shame, stigma, and silence surrounding suicide and mental illness. This documentary does a lot to help in this quest.

/  Pat Gallinagh (President, Range Suicide prevention Council)  /

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The most influential speaker and story to come through Clare. Thank you for what you are doing.

/  Clare High School, student Michigan  /

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Coach Olson had a big impact on me finally realizing that sharing my story is what I needed to do, not only for myself but for anyone who has suffered or is suffering from depression & anxiety. Last week I got to watch the documentary and hear Coach Olson speak. For the first time in a while I felt as though someone finally understood. Daniels story is one everyone needs to hear. You helped take the world off my shoulders.

/ Logan Love (Northern Michigan University Student) /

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I suffer a lot with depression & I have really bad social anxiety. I cry myself to sleep 90% of the time. Everything seems perfectly fine until I’m alone & then everything just takes over me like a cloud. Jeff did an amazing job describing how depression feels because for someone who doesn’t know, he gave a great analysis. I’ve been reaching out & going to therapy but it just seems like nobody is hearing my cry. Before today I felt so helpless and I was ready to give up. After the presentation I decided that maybe it’s time to try harder and keep attempting to be happy. You guys helped me a lot and I’m forever grateful. Thank you so much for giving me hope for a better life.

/ Student /

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My son attended your presentation today. When he got home from school I could tell something was wrong. He instantly broke into tears & told me & my husband about the presentation and how he knows how Daniel felt because he feels the same way. Thank you for helping my son realize that these feelings he has, he should not be ashamed of. And yes, I will be making a doctor’s appointment tomorrow.

/ Parent /

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Today really opened another door for me. Everything in the video explained how I feel. Daniel said in the video that nobody would understand it no matter how hard he would try to explain it. That’s me. That’s how I feel. Today helped me so much.

/ Student ( Escanaba High School, Michigan) /

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Last night our daughter told us that she wanted to go spend a couple of days in the psychiatric ward. She is tired of feeling this way and she wants help. I’m certain that she FINALLY reached out because of your presentation. You took the idea of getting help and made it real and okay for her. Thank you.

/ Parent /