©Jan Andersen 2003
Press Coverage
For Parents and Families Attempting to Survive After The Tragedy of Their Child, Grandchild, Sibling or Friend's Suicide
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©Jan Andersen 2003
Swindon Evening Advertiser - 29 May 2003
Swindon Evening Advertiser - 11 June 2003
"The hand that rules the press, the radio, the screen and the far-spread magazine, rules the country."

Learned Hand
Other Media Coverage:


Central News (June 2003)
BBC Points West (6 June 2003)FavouriteFavourite
HTV West News (9 July 2003)
BBC Radio Swindon (October 2003)
Swindon Evening Advertiser WWW Supplement - June 2003
Swindon Evening Advertiser - October 2003
Jan participating in the Kilroy show on the topic of male suicide - 15 October 2003 (shown on 17 October)
Letter to The Evening Advertiser

First published on Monday 14 July 2003:


Parents Are The Overlooked Victims


I read with interest your story of Kristian Andersen's death in The Scourge, and wanted to commend your paper on the sensitivity you have shown to Kristian's mother, Jan Andersen.


I met Jan Andersen online before Kristian's death. Although we have never met in person, and although our surnames are the same, we are not related, except in spirit.


It is more than irony that I, as an author of a book about moving beyond bereavement, should find such a friend in Jan. God puts people in your life for a reason. I believe I know why He lead Jan to me, but even more certain why she was sent to bless my life.


I have never known, even in person, such a wonderful person, devoted parent, caring friend, and exceptional human being.


That she would use her son's tragic death to bring comfort to other parents of suicidal children only confirms my belief in her outstanding character.


I commend Jan Andersen for her strength, but especially her commitment to educating young people about heroin use, and offering comfort and support to the often overlooked and harshly judged silent victims of this epidemic ­ the parents of children who have died of a drug overdose.


To them, my deepest sympathies and my strongest recommendation to contact Jan's website for encouragement. There, you will find a friend who will, I can attest, show you the true meaning of "a friend in need".


Julie Donner Andersen

Canada