Today we’d like to introduce you to David James.
Hi David, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In October of 2014, I lost my 13 year old son Peyton to suicide. I made a vow to him that his death would not be in vain, and wanted to find a way to not only honor him, but to help others. With the help of Jill Kubin and Sue Harris, we established The Peyton Heart Project in July of 2015. We take small, hand made hearts with a positive message attached, and leave them in places where people can find them. The idea is that if someone is struggling, and they find a heart, that is a sign that somebody out there cares. On the other hand, if the finder is doing okay, we encourage them to give it to someone that is going through a hard time, or to take it with them and leave it for someone else.
To date, the hearts have been found in all 50 states, close to 70 countries, and on all 7 continents, most recently, Antarctica.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not always been smooth sailing. The stigma surrounding suicide and mental health issues, while not as bad as they were 10 years ago, are still there. Getting people to talk about such a taboo subject can be difficult, but we persist. In addition, we rely on donations of the hearts, and there are times where we will find our supplies dangerously low.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a retired teacher/coach. I spent 30 years in the classroom and on the playing fields of Texas. In that time, I saw so many kids struggling with mental health issues, and there was never the resources available that they needed. I currently work as a substitute, and I see the need is still out there. Yes, things have progressed since I first started, but we are a long, long way from being where we need to be.
What I am most proud of is the positive effect that The Peyton Heart Project has had. People can post pictures of the hearts that they have found on a map on our homepage. Many of the comments show me that the hearts are truly finding their way to people that need and appreciate them.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Perseverance is perhaps the most important. Many times, my efforts to reach out have been rebuffed. I remember being told by the head of counseling by one of the larger school districts in Texas that they didn’t want to talk about suicide to the kids because it might upset some of the parents. I replied that if talk about suicide may upset a parent, how would they react when their child attempts or completes suicide. As a former teacher, I know that a great deal is piled on educators in the classroom, but there are so many that would rather help kids now than mourn them later.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thepeytonheartproject.org
- Instagram: peyton_heart_project
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePeytonHeartProject
