Jeff Olson is a dad on a mission to share his son Daniel’s story and in the process, help prevent teenagers from committing suicide. Jeff will speak at Olivet High School on Thursday, Dec. 8 and will also show the documentary, Do It For Daniel, which highlights the struggles Daniel went through for several years before taking his life in July 2012.
The hope of the program is to educate people and get rid of the stigma of mental illness. The program runs from 6-8 p.m. and is open to the public. Fifteen vendors will also be on hand to give out mental health information before and after the presentation.
In 2010 Daniel led his Ishpeming High School football team to the state title game and Jeff was the team’s head coach. Four months after Daniel’s death, Ishpeming won the state title game, dedicating the season to Daniel.
Shortly thereafter, Jeff took it upon himself to speak to students throughout the state and region about Daniel and to remind them that they are not alone if they are struggling with mental illness.
