Voices in the Book

The Humanity Cure weaves Dr. Franklin’s own experience together with the voices of leaders, practitioners, and survivors whose stories illuminate the power of small acts. Featured voices include:

A national voice on suicide prevention and the healing power of storytelling. Kevin jumped from the Golden Gate Bridge at 19 and survived; he now travels the world sharing his story to help others find hope. His insight that storytelling is “truth with a heartbeat” anchors the chapter on narrative and healing.

Kevin Hines

Suicide attempt survivor, author, film maker, global public speaker and advocate

After losing his son Ryan, a Navy SEAL, to suicide, Frank has dedicated his life to advancing understanding of traumatic brain injury and the invisible wounds of war. His insistence that “meaning does not erase the pain — it gives it direction” grounds the book’s exploration of purpose after loss.

Frank Larkin

Retired Navy SEAL, former U.S. Senate Sergeant at Arms, and father

Tina’s reflections on life as a Marine Corps spouse during 9/11, and on the small human acts that held families together in the months and years that followed, shape the book’s chapters on belonging, compassion, and community care.

Dr. Tina Atherall

CEO Psych Armor, military spouse, professor and social worker

A combat commander in Afghanistan and Iraq who later led one of the nation’s largest veteran-serving organizations, Mike brings decades of wisdom on leadership, trust, and what it means to show up for people under pressure.

Mike Linnington

Retired United States Army Lieutenant General; CEO of USO

A 24-year Army Veteran who has mentored generations of social workers and public health leaders — including the author. His reflections on loss, service, and the everyday practice of resilience appear throughout the book.

Dr. Jim Martin

Retired Army Colonel, social worker; Emeritus Professor at Bryn Mawr College

A military caregiver to one of the most severely wounded veterans of the post-9/11 wars, Sarah built a national peer-support program for combat units grappling with loss. Her story anchors the book’s exploration of shared strength and lived experience.

Sarah Verardo

CEO of the Verardo Group, The Independence Fund, Founder of Save our Allies

A longtime mentor whose career has spanned senior federal roles and high-stakes public communications. Rosemary’s insight that “people may forget the details, but they always remember how you made them feel” anchors the book’s chapter on storytelling and healing.

Rosemary Williams

Mentor,Executive communication leader, and former senior federal leader

A behavioral health leader who has built programs across military, first responder, and hospital systems. Carletta’s experience guiding her team through a devastating training accident at Marine Corps Base Hawaii shapes the book’s exploration of leadership in the aftermath of trauma.

Carletta Vicain

Licensed marriage and family therapist; behavioral health leader

An Army Veteran who has spent her career building systems of care for women veterans and veterans experiencing homelessness. Her story of caring for her mentor Mary Curry through terminal illness anchors the book’s exploration of meaning-making and the quiet work of showing up.

Danielle Applegate

Army Veteran; Chair of the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans

An Army Veteran who lost both legs in an IED blast in Afghanistan and found his way back to himself through an unexpected path: beekeeping. His insight that “you cannot carry yesterday’s pain into today’s hive” grounds the book’s chapter on the restorative power of purposeful work.

Alejandro Jauregui

Army Veteran, Beekeeper, and Business Owner

A longtime colleague whose career has focused on suicide prevention and recovery, Adam brings to the book one of its most haunting and hopeful stories — about a formerly homeless veteran who survived a suicide attempt and chose to carry the bullet casing with him as a reminder of his second chance.

Dr. Adam Walsh

Researcher and leader at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and Columbia University

Trusted colleague whose reflections on peer support shape the book’s argument that the people doing the hardest work need support too. Wendy’s experience of being seen by a peer — at a moment she had not yet seen herself — illustrates how recognition from another person can change a life’s trajectory.

Wendy Lakso

Senior public health executive

A public health executive whose people-first leadership has guided teams through periods of extraordinary pressure. Admiral Kleiman’s belief that kindness belongs in the operational plan — not as an afterthought to it — shapes the book’s closing argument about the future of care.

Admiral Matthew Kleiman

Social worker, public health leader, senior U.S. Public Health Service officer

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