Interview with John Dietl: A Story of Resilience, Hope and Mental Health Advocacy

The loss of a child is something no parent should ever have to endure. John and Michele Dietl understand this pain all too well. Their son, Dr. Kevin Dietl, died by suicide after battling with mental health issues. In the wake of their son's passing, the Dietls have become strong advocates for suicide prevention and youth mental health. They have dedicated their lives to raising awareness, sharing Kevin's story, and promoting resources that offer help and support for families dealing with mental health issues.

The Dietls' journey began with their son's passion for medicine. Kevin was nearing graduation from medical school when he passed away. His passion for making a positive impact in this world has inspired the Dietls to raise awareness for mental health struggles in the healthcare profession. This includes participating in events like the Triple Bypass Race, and raising money for organizations like CHADS, whose mission is to save young lives by advancing the awareness and prevention of depression and suicide. 

CHADS

CHADS holds a special place in the Dietls' hearts. They were deeply moved by the support and resources provided by the organization during their darkest moments. They have since made it their mission to share their story and help other families in need. Through speaking engagements and fundraising efforts, they continue to raise awareness and support for CHADS  and other organizations that promote mental health and suicide prevention.

The Dietls acknowledge that caring for a child struggling with mental health issues is challenging. They emphasize the importance of being supportive and getting help. They want parents to know that it's okay to feel upset, and they encourage them to seek resources that can support their child. Through their advocacy, they hope to break down the stigma associated with asking for help and promote a culture of compassion and understanding.

The Triple Bypass Race

The Triple Bypass Race is a testament to the Dietls' commitment to promoting mental health and suicide prevention. The race covers a distance of 118 miles, has a total altitude ascent of 11,000 ft, and passes through three mountains, making it a challenging course. The Dietls participate in the race to honor their son's memory and spread awareness about the importance of mental health. Kevin would have loved to do this, and the Dietls want to keep his spirit alive by dedicating themselves to promoting mental health and suicide prevention. The race will be taking place on July 22nd.

Offering Hope & Support to Other Families Struggling with Mental Health

The Dietls' story is one of resilience and hope. They continue to inspire and motivate others to take action and make a difference in promoting mental health and suicide prevention. Through their efforts with CHADS and the Triple  Bypass Race, they hope to prevent other families from enduring the pain they have experienced. 

We must recognize the significance of mental health support and resources and to continue to support being open about mental health in the healthcare profession. Together, we hope to make a difference and promote a culture of compassion and understanding toward youth mental health struggles. 

To learn more about John’s story and upcoming race and make a donation in Kevin’s honor, visit: https://chadscoalition-johndietl.my.canva.site/