Philanthropist Bryan Scott McMillan Advocates for Enhanced Support Systems for Grieving Children and Families
TL;DR
Bryan Scott McMillan leverages his executive leadership experience to advocate for grieving families, showing how community support creates resilient individuals who overcome adversity.
McMillan outlines practical steps for supporting grieving families including regular check-ins, non-judgmental listening, maintaining routines, and sharing local grief resources.
McMillan's advocacy through Families with Holes and volunteer work helps grieving children and families heal, creating stronger, more compassionate communities through simple acts of support.
McMillan discovered that walking without headphones helps clear the mind and encourages conversation, a simple practice he shares to help others through grief.
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Retired senior executive and philanthropist Bryan Scott McMillan has used a recent interview platform to advocate for increased support for grieving children and families facing emotional hardship, drawing from his personal journey after losing his wife. McMillan emphasized the transformative impact of community involvement and practical assistance, noting that his own family's experience with grief led him to recognize the profound value of supportive networks.
McMillan shared that following his wife's passing, he witnessed firsthand how grief can overwhelm a family structure. He credited The WARM Place with helping his children regain stability, stating the organization demonstrated how powerful small acts of support can be in the healing process. This personal revelation marked a significant turning point in his approach to leadership and community service.
The need for such support is underscored by concerning statistics revealing that one in twelve children in the United States will experience the loss of a parent or sibling before reaching age eighteen. Research indicates grieving children face twice the likelihood of developing depression and three times the probability of academic struggles compared to their peers. McMillan pointed out that many families, particularly those in lower-income communities, lack access to adequate grief resources, creating silent crises that often go unaddressed.
After a three-decade career revitalizing global medical device businesses, McMillan's focus shifted dramatically following his volunteer work at The WARM Place beginning in 2006. His philanthropic efforts expanded to include support for Camp Sanguinity, and in 2018 he founded Families with Holes, an organization dedicated to providing guidance and support to families navigating loss. McMillan noted that his leadership philosophy transformed after experiencing grief, moving from a problem-solving orientation to one centered on active listening and presence.
Rather than advocating for large-scale financial donations or complex initiatives, McMillan emphasizes simple, accessible actions that community members can implement immediately. His recommendations include regular check-ins through messages, meals, or visits; listening without judgment or the pressure to provide solutions; encouraging rest and routine for overwhelmed families; sharing information about local grief centers and support programs; and the simple act of walking with someone in need. McMillan personally attests to the therapeutic value of walking without headphones, noting it clears the mind and creates space for meaningful conversation.
The timing of McMillan's advocacy is particularly relevant as many grief support centers report increasing demand with waiting lists extending for weeks or months. This growing need highlights systemic gaps in mental health and community support infrastructure. McMillan's message underscores that professional training isn't necessary to make a meaningful difference—compassion and consistent presence can significantly impact healing processes for grieving families and children.
Curated from 24-7 Press Release
