Becoming a Mental Health Champion: A Father's Journey Through Grief to Mental Health Advocacy is an inspiring and deeply personal story of one man's transformation after unimaginable loss. When public relations strategist Reggie Burton lost his 22-year-old son, Avery, to suicide, his world was shattered. But out of that pain came a mission: to break the silence around mental illness, challenge stigma, and equip others to become advocates for emotional resilience, especially in communities of color.
This powerful book is part memoir, part mental health guide, and part motivational call to action. It offers a compelling blend of storytelling, practical tools, and hard-earned wisdom for anyone navigating grief, trauma, or a desire to make a difference.
Drawing from his experience as a father, PR professional, Mental Health First Aid instructor, and founder of the Avery Burton Foundation, Burton shares lessons on how to cope with loss, foster healing, and turn adversity into advocacy. Whether you're a parent, student, coach, educator, faith leader, or mental health ally, this book provides the tools and inspiration to champion emotional well-being in your community.
Inside the pages of this book, readers will find:
- Personal reflections on grief, healing, and finding purpose after tragedy
- Insights from sports, faith, and business that support mental toughness and recovery
- Culturally competent resources and strategies for navigating mental health in Black, Latino, and underserved communities
- Real-life stories that humanize mental illness and reduce stigma
- A practical blueprint for advocacy, including Mental Health First Aid and crisis response tips
Burton also highlights key moments that shaped his path from working in the NFL and earning a Stanley Cup ring with the Vegas Golden Knights, to founding a nonprofit in his son's name and speaking to students, families, and organizations nationwide. His story demonstrates we have the capacity to turn pain into purpose, and that even in the darkest times, we can be a light for others.
In a time when mental health support is more urgent than ever, Becoming a Mental Health Champion moves us from awareness to action. It's a must-read for anyone ready to stand up, speak out, and help save lives.
