Walk On - by Stephen Panus

Book Synopsis

The most trusted, authoritative and influential voice in the publishing world, Kirkus Book Reviews, raves about Walk On proclaiming it to be "a raw, moving memoir that deftly explores grief and hope in equal measure . . . It is Panus' unique and sometimes poetic turns of phrase, however, that truly bring Jake's story to life . . . The author's acknowledgment that grief is an "unwelcome topic in our society" makes his willingness to tackle it head-on even more admirable."

In today's world, grief and adversity are everywhere, causing many to suffer and lose hope. From the depths of darkness and greatest loss emerges an intimate, candid, and raw story of a father's search for meaning following tragedy. Walk On is a resilience-centered guidebook for overcoming struggle while teaching that the path to a purposeful life filled with kindness, compassion, and service resides within all of us.

Drawing upon his wisdom and leadership experience, Stephen Panus provides real-world applications of indispensable values and traits for becoming the best version of ourselves. We all suffer in some manner, but no matter what happens or how it happens, we all must Walk On.

Review Quotes

"Somehow from the depths of his own despair, Stephen Panus has provided an achingly beautiful guidebook for finding joy and hope." -Dana O'Neill, author of The Big East: Inside the Most Entertaining and Influential Conference in College Basketball History

"Stephen Panus suffered through every parent's most horrific nightmare-the loss of a child. I can't imagine the pain associated with such a devastating loss and can only conclude that it's not something you ever get over but only hope to get beyond. Jake Panus will never be forgotten. And his legacy and the mark he left on the world will live on forever. This is a story of unimaginable hurt but inspiration, courage, gratitude, and the reminder to always be present and live in the moment. This is a must-read and an instant classic. Walk On is a courageous and brilliant work." -Jim Rome, CBS Sports Radio/CBS Sports

"Stephen Panus is an inspiration. It's impossible to understand the pain of losing a child. Stephen manages to bring you along with him as he beautifully shares his love for his son Jake and his ability to turn the deepest pain into smiles and tears of joy for others ... as he transforms his ever-present sadness to make a true difference in the lives of young men and women in his son's name. Jake Panus is watching with pride, as his legacy burns brighter through his father's love." -Mark Hilinski, cofounder of Hilinski's Hope with his wife, Kym, and father to Kelly, Tyler, and Ryan

"With Walk On, Stephen Panus shares with shocking detail a father's palpable sorrow in the aftermath of the tragic loss of a son. You feel the weight of the journey toward peace in every word. The honesty in these pages offers simultaneously an injection of perspective for the simplicity of life's truest joys and a refuge for grief-stricken people that they are not alone." -Marty Smith, ESPN reporter, New York Times best-selling author

"This is a brave and beautifully written book about unbearable loss and a father's never- ending battle to honor a son, comfort a family, and make the world a better place." -Joe Drape, New York Times bestselling author of Soldiers First: Duty, Honor, Country and Football at West Point

"There is no question Walk On will change lives. Stephen Panus's vulnerability relating his experience as a parent who has suffered the most tragic loss is shocking and transformative. His storytelling about navigating a new normal, grabs you by the collar. I cried at the gut-wrenching personal descriptions and also am incredibly inspired by the lessons Stephen shares as tools and suggestions for all of us to make the most of the time we have and the people who matter most in our lives. His messages that began as Post- Its to his children are observations and lessons I hope to pass onto my own kids." -Lindsay Czarniak, Fox Sports

"Stephen Panus has done something incredible. He has written a book about a tragedy that will inspire and fill you with hope. Hug your loved ones, then read Walk On to remind you why you're doing it. I'm so grateful I did." -Kyle Brandt, NFL Network, CBS Sports