“If the most powerful transformation known to humanity is taking something negative that happens to you and turning it into something positive for others—and I fully believe that to be the case—then John Trautwein is one powerful man. He writes straight from the heart, and his words will save lives. The story he shares in these pages—a remarkable journey of passion and purpose—will literally save lives.”

— Jeffrey Marx, Pulitzer Prize-winner and author of Season of Life

“Ever wonder what to say to someone who has lost a child to suicide? Ever wonder if a young person in your own home might be at risk? Read this book. John and Susie Trautwein are members of the sad dest club on earth: They are parents who have lost a child. In The Will to Live, John Trautwein takes the emotions of loss and turns them into a message of awareness and hope.”

— Dan Shaughnessy, The Boston Globe and co-author of the New York Times bestseller Francona: The Red Sox Years

“John Trautwein: athlete, scientist, businessman, and family man. As a big-league pitcher, he helped my own teenage son figure out the ‘physics’ of the distance a tape-measure home run by Bo Jackson traveled, proving that athletes can be students, too. A husband and dad whose life is centered on his family, John’s compelling story shows us how he dealt with the ultimate family tragedy of losing a child and used it to inspire and guide other families facing the effects of depression and other mental illnesses that can lead to teenage suicide.”

— Joe Castiglione, voice of the Boston Red Sox and author of Can You Believe It

“The loss of a loved one to suicide, particularly a teen, is devas tating to family, friends, and the community. John Trautwein and his family know that devastation, but what they have built from it is truly remarkable. John has dedicated his life to empowering teens to not only become aware of teen suicide and the signs of depression but also to reach out to each other in times of need, recognize the good in life, the will to live, and the importance of friendship—akin to being a teammate. The Will to Live is an inspiring story of breaking through the barriers of mental health stigma and how one family can impact the lives of so many. It is a must-read for school personnel, parents, and health care providers who care for teens, and teens themselves.”

— Douglas Jacobs, MD, founder and medical director, Screening for Mental Health, and nationally recognized expert on suicide

“In my twenty-two years of broadcasting, I have told many stories of triumph over tragedy, but the story of Will Trautwein and his family has stayed with me. The loss of such a vibrant young man and the strength of his family to use their heartache to help has had an impact on how I parent my daughter and how I report stories of teenage depression and suicide. This is a must read if you have a teenager in your life.”

— Stephany Fisher, anchor, CBS News, Atlanta

“John Trautwein’s story inspires hope. It empowers people, and it gives its readers the ‘hope for life.’ The triumph that this story imparts arouses the goodness in everyone as it drives people toward action.”

— Joe Girardi, former Major League Baseball player and former manager of the New York Yankees, the Miami Marlins, and the Philadelphia Phillies

“To take something so tragic, so painful, and so personal as the loss of a child, and use it to provide hope and encouragement is remarkable. Through this journey, John Trautwein is changing hearts and saving lives.”

— Brian Holman, ex Major League Baseball player and motivational speaker

“The crater-sized hole in John Trautwein’s heart is turned inside-out as he shares with those of us parents who deeply need this story. Read The Will to Live and expect a renewed faith and crucial under standing of depression and suicide.”

— Julia Peterson, former CNN reporter

“The Trautweins’ story is remarkable. Their work commands respect. Read this book, then reach out to someone in need.”

— Ken Rosenthal, Fox Sports, MLB Network

“John was the ultimate teammate throughout his baseball career. He is now the ultimate teammate for a much larger team: young people, their loved ones, and all of us who can have an impact on preventing teenage suicide. His willingness to share his raw emotions about his son Will’s suicide is John’s way of being the best teammate he can be in a campaign to prevent suicide—and we need to listen.”

— Ron Wellman, former director of athletics, Wake Forrest University