The Basics
I was born and raised in New Jersey, spending my childhood in Long Valley and most of my adulthood in and around the Morristown area. I am now based in Rockaway with my family, fiancé (Stephanie) and her two kids right nearby. They are my unwavering support system and source of my strength. I couldn't have done the book and all the things that have followed without them.

Suicide Prevention Work
I'm a member of the American Association of Suicidology (www.suicidology.org ), Suicide Prevention Action Network (www.spanusa.org), the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (www.afsp.org) and a board member for Feeling Blue (www.feelingblue.org). I also support their efforts whenever possible, exhibiting at their conferences and participating in such events as the AFSP's overnight walks (Washington DC & NYC). I've also been a:

• Luncheon speaker at the Healing After Suicide Conference (AAS & SPAN USA, Boston, MA)
• Panelist at the PA State Suicide Prevention Conference (Feeling Blue, Hershey, PA)
• Featured speaker at the Clearfield Community Event for Suicide Prevention (Clearfield Mental Health & Mental Retardation, Clearfield, PA)
• Featured speaker at the Feeling Blue Interfaith Healing Service (Feeling Blue, Elkins Park, NJ)

I couldn't be more thrilled to be involved with suicide prevention and am always amazed at the individuals behind the efforts. Their tireless strength is an inspiration and I only hope to achieve a fraction of what they all have.

Writing
As far back as I can remember, I've dabbled with writing, be it short stories, poems or songs (the latter during my teen-angst years). Even got a degree in English. But I never got serious about it until this book grabbed, shook and refused to let me go. But since completing Surviving Bill, I've written many short stories (getting several published in The Surfer's Path and N'EAST Mag) and am working on other book ideas outside of surviving suicide.

Surfing
My passion. My love. Ever since taking my first ride (on that red and yellow board on the book's back cover), I've been hooked. No other activity has made me happier throughout my life and I still get as giddy riding across a wave as I did when I was eleven years old. I surf year round in New Jersey and have traveled to Alaska, Nova Scotia, Ireland, California, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Mexico and Western Australia just to surf. Nothing makes me appreciate life more than sitting in the ocean, mesmerized by the beauty of the waves, sea life, sunrises and sunsets. The fact that it feels like a wonderful connection to Bill (he surfed too) doesn't hurt the spiritual sensation I get either.

Well, that's it in a nutshell.

Cheers,
Mike