Suicide Prevention Advocate Leslie Weirich Reaches Hundreds Through Her Book Launch

LESLIE’S STORY

For years, Leslie Weirich pushed back against the idea of becoming an author. 

“I tried so hard not to write this book. But when Nathan Sahly gets ahold of you… watch out!”

After one conversation that ended in prayer, it became clear that she was meant to share her story, not only of suicide loss, but of the many layers of grief that had shaped her life. That calling became The Gifts of Grief, a book that opened doors she never expected and sparked conversations she had never had before.

WAS IT ALL WORTH IT?

The launch of The Gifts of Grief was unforgettable. Several hundred people attended, more than the venue could hold, and hundreds of copies sold that very day. Even more powerful, the event sparked healing: strangers became friends by sharing their own grief stories in the room, and Leslie reconnected with a childhood neighbor who had also lost loved ones to suicide.

Since then, The Gifts of Grief has created extraordinary opportunities. Leslie has been invited to deliver grief talks and is now shaping her keynote to reach wider audiences. In May 2025, she served as the keynote speaker at The Water Lily Luncheon, where every attendee received a copy of her book. 600 copies were distributed in a single afternoon. Beyond the stage, the ripple effects have been just as meaningful: readers continue to reach out with stories of how her words gave them the courage to “get up and get going again.”

GIFTS OF HOPE

For Leslie, the greatest return on investment is the impact on people walking their own paths through loss. “Grief is a journey. You can spend time at the rest stop, but you have to eventually move forward.”

Readers echo that truth. One shared, “Although your book title is The Gifts of Grief, your story is a Gift of Hope for me.”

Today, Leslie continues to use her voice to shine a light on grief, reminding others that while loss never leaves us, love and hope never do either.

HOW IS LESLIE LIVING OUT HER MISSION TODAY?

• Suicide Prevention Advocate 
• Mental Health Speaker
• Founder of Leslie’s Hope

WHAT ARE PEOPLE SAYING ABOUT LESLIE?

“Her heartfelt vulnerability with her emotional pain through loss, touches the hearts of so many who are going through mental health struggles.”

“She is passionate, knowledgeable, and engaging. Both my head and my heart were deeply impacted through her comments.”

“Leslie’s gifts are revealed in her ability to reach varied audiences at a very emotional and personal level, working to literally save lives.”