Cracked, Not Broken

Kevin Hines is one of only thirty-two people to jump from the Golden Gate Bridge and survive.  His story of survival was told to the world in the documentary The Bridge.  Since surviving his suicide attempt, Kevin has become an advocate for mental health issues as well as a voice for suicide attempt survivors.  Kevin recently released a memoir of his experiences, entitled, Cracked, Not Broken.  Click here to read an excerpt from his memoir on the blog –

Note: This blog post is an excerpt of Kevin Hines' new book, “Cracked, But Not Broken: Surviving and Thriving After a Suicide Attempt,” now available on Amazon. We applaud Kevin for bravely sharing his story in hopes that it will inspire others.

Patrick Kennedy, a fighter, cause driven, a former congressman, and among other amazing driven efforts, a recovered drug user. Patrick Kennedy, a colleague, and friend in social change. The year was 2006. I was attending a private fundraising event at a presidio heights mansion I was so excited, I was about to meet in person a real live Kennedy. One I relate to the most, Congressman Patrick Kennedy. His work helping those with mental and behavioral health struggles, his pioneering vision, and his destiny for change, not to mention his honesty in recovery were awe inspiring. It still is. He waltzed across the room upon entering, his aids with him and he was ready to educate us all. When I looked up I found myself thinking, "he's taller than I thought he'd be" or hell maybe I am just short. 

He stretched out his arm, shaking hands first with my father, then me. We all spread out, like small networking honeybees. Everyone had an agenda, even me. Knowing the work he was and continues to do foremost in his recovery, and secondly with mental health parity, I just wanted a chance to catch his ear. At the time I was averaging 64 public presentations on mental illness, bipolar disorder and other topics. I was attempting to follow  In the footsteps of prolific speakers like Van Jones, the great orator  Bill Clinton, Patrick Kennedy, President Obama and the powerhouse speaker taken from us too soon, President John F Kennedy, and so many more. I hoped then and hope now to one day reach a third of as many people that one of these phenomenal individuals, speakers, Presidents, and patriots has. My work ethic is tenacious and I am still hustling daily toward that seemingly possible goal, at least I will try in this lifetime, maybe even beyond. Well I got my five minutes with the Congressman, and I was baffled at what happened next, His aid invited me to share my journey toward wellness, my own recovery from suicide ideation and a horrible near fatal attempt. I was going to speak for exactly 3 minutes at a congressional hearing on Congressman Patrick Kennedy's Parity bill!

At the hearing he even took some time with just me and of course my inspiration and drive to be cause driven only increased. Say what you  will about him, of this I am sure...The former Congressman is by this speakers/advocates account one beautiful human being. Thanks to his diligent and never ending efforts millions across the country will have the mental health coverage they need. 

It was and forever shall remain an honor to have done my part in the whole process. Thanks Congressman, for doing all in your power to change history and fight for the civil rights of Americans with Mental illness. I will never forget that day and when you or your colleagues ever need my services again, don't hesitate to ask.