Erin Davis

Accompanied by slides/photos, this speech - available in varying lengths and tailored to any audience - delves into hope after devastation (losing our only child at 24), the things NOT to say to someone who is grieving, how choice is the only freedom that we have when our world is left upside-down. This speech has been successfully delivered to business people, palliative and grief professionals, anyone looking to survive change - big or small.

In this presentation I offer ways in which one can overcome the crippling grief, such as that which accompanied the unexplained death of my only child, a healthy, beautiful 24-year-old broadcaster and new mother, who died in her sleep. Helped by the teachings of Doctors Elisabeth Kubler-Ross and Viktor Frankl, and many others who have explored the emotions surrounding loss and change, I share my message of finding hope and reclaiming joy - regardless of what event or loss might have prompted one's search.

Despite being the cheery voice of morning radio on the top station in Canada's largest market, the secret behind the microphone (and often the TV camera) was one of depression and addiction. Then, 10 years of serenity and sobriety were shattered after the loss of my only child, a 24-year-old broadcaster who died hours after her first Mother's Day, leaving a 7-month-old baby and a world of devastation. My journey to joy and sobriety is one filled with laughter, pain and challenges, all of which I share openly with my audience.