Bullying is killing our kids. Being different is killing our kids and the kids who are bullying are dying inside. We have to save our kids whether they are bullied or they are bullying. They are all in pain.
When I was 14, I came very close to becoming a gay teen suicide 'statistic,' but I then turned to music, my piano, my loved ones, and discovered that it does in fact get better.
Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.
Every cancer is different. The symptoms and treatments are different, and every human body deals with it differently. There are no formulas to it. That, I think, was the biggest takeaway for me.
Finally, be kind to yourself and have a good support system.
The people you surround yourself with influence your behaviors, so choose friends who have healthy habits.
Everybody is friends when things are bad enough.
My wife goes to Birmingham five times a week. My mom lives in Birmingham now after moving from Myrtle Beach. It's not just the job. A lot of people don't get that. My life is here.
When I started, I didn't think I would become a great player. It was my passion; I had interest. My parents supported me. In that way, I continued.
No matter what accomplishments you make, somebody helped you.
My family is my biggest inspiration. My son, my husband, and my family inspire me to be better, do better, and live better.
Moving to a new school, or up a year at an existing school - with new friends, teachers, subjects, rules and expectation - is a big deal for young people. All of us who are adults remember how daunting it was, but we sometimes take it for granted that children will be able to cope with the change.
You always knew after shitty things happened, who your friends really were.
I never had a family, and now I do. I know I'm a very lucky guy.
Most Americans get that there is a need for a safety net in our country, and we support that safety net.
People's support, fan's love and support, give me energy.
I've got big homies that done been through the same thing I've been through and they made it out, changed their life and they come back and snatch young cats up and lecture them and let them know right way to do it.
I have, I think, eight mentors. It's crazy, but I need them. They are all really important to me. They keep me grounded and advise me.
I'm very fortunate I've got a good support network.
It's a very hard goal. But, what I want is to tell people who are getting bullied to stand up to the bully and not let it be OK - tell a teacher, the principal, or your parents. I want people to stand up and to be confident.
In my situation, every time I write a sentence, I'm thinking not only of the people I ended up in college with but my siblings, my family, my school friends, the people from my neighborhood. I've come to realize that this is an advantage, really: it keeps you on your toes.
I would not have had the same personal commitment to Alzheimer's disease if it had not been for my mother and my upbringing.
Afterwards, when the match is over, I have my family and my friends. I have fun like a normal person.
When times are at their worst, it's amazing what people will do for you.
I have strong faith, and I have strong family.
