Miles Adcox, Crystal Miller and Laura Hutfless are here to talk about Triumph Over Tragedy, a first-of-its-kind, trauma-informed therapy program providing tools, support and a safe community offering hope and healing for those affected by mass trauma. Thanks to private donations to The Onsite Foundation, the workshop is fully-funded by scholarships.
As a survivor of Columbine and a member of the foundation’s Survivor Advisory Council, Crystal shares with us a detailed account of her experience during the attack on her school and tells us how the Triumph Over Tragedy program was designed to address the way trauma affects the brain and the body in different ways for everyone.
Triumph Over Tragedy is inspired by the life of Austin Eubanks, who was also a Columbine survivor. Austin had a vision to create a safe place for survivors of mass shootings to find hope and healing. Austin passed away before his vision could become a reality, but his family and friends, including Laura, continue to carry on his legacy through this program.
Laura and Miles share resources for survivors, family members and first responders. We also talk about grief, community, empathy and how we can show up for each other in times of loss, trauma or suffering. Our hope is that in sharing these stories, you would know that you are not alone.
NOTE: The beginning of this conversation contains graphic discussions of the April 20, 1999 Columbine mass shooting tragedy. If you have been affected by mass shootings, gun violence or other traumas, this language could be activating and we recommend starting this episode around the 30 minute mark.
Resources available: The Onsite Foundation, Everytown, Moms Demand Action.