Colorado’s Nature Photographer John Fielder Honored as a Shining Light of Hope

Recognition for Fielder’s Involvement in Suicide Prevention Bestowed by Carson J Spencer Foundation at 10^th Anniversary Gala

Denver, Colorado. August 9, 2014.  John Fielder’s photography of breathtaking Colorado landscapes evokes tremendous joy and inspiration in many; and yet these beautiful mountains became the final resting place for his oldest child and only son, John “J.T.” Fielder III, when JT took his life on a 13,000-foot ridge on March 21, 2006. Subsequent to the tragic death of J.T., which came on the heels of the death Fielder’s wife six month prior, John Fielder also experienced despair so deep he understood how people could see suicide as a way out from pain. Since these life challenges, Fielder has lent his visibility as a Colorado enthusiast to suicide prevention efforts. For his philanthropy, honesty and support for the cause, Fielder will be honored with the Carson J Spencer Foundation’s (CJSF) “Shining Light of Hope” award on August 24^th, 2014 at 5:30pm at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. During this event CJSF will celebrate its 10^th Annual Shining Lights of Hope Gala, a “blacktie optional” occasion. For more information visit: www.CarsonJSpencer.org.

Each year the Carson J Spencer Foundation bestows the “Shining Lights of Hope” award on an individual or a family that has turned the tragedy of suicide loss or the despair of a suicide attempt into positive social change. Previous honorees include:

• 2007 Rep. Debbie Stafford and Sen. Moe Keller
• 2008 The Emme Family, Founders of Yellow Ribbon
• 2009 Army’s Major General Mark Graham and wife Carol
• 2010 Evergreen’s Cactus Jack’s Saloon for founding the Start Talking Network
• 2011 McKee Family and the Patrick McKee Foundation
• 2012 Jeff LaMontagne, Founder of the Second Wind
• 2013 GG Johnston, Principal, Be Intentional

“The things I love and the things that love me were part of the cure,” said Fielder about his grief journey. “I thought I could go off into the woods by myself, but it really didn’t turn out to be enough. I also needed family and the support of a professional counselor, and it helped to get involved. Within weeks of the death of my son I’ve been trying to help publicly with suicide prevention.”

Fielder admits that it’s often difficult to reach men who are experiencing psychological pain. Thus, he has been an advocate for the Man Therapy project, a program of the Carson J Spencer Foundation in partnership with Colorado’s Office of Suicide Prevention and Cactus Marketing. More information: www.ManTherapy.org.

Because he does not want other families to endure the tragedy he has experienced, Fielder supports suicide prevention on many levels. An articulate and engaging public speaker, Fielder is able to be a powerful spokesperson, addressing this sensitive topic with an honest and straightforward approach. His visibility as a community leader allows his messaging to reach others in a way many advocates cannot. Fielder has opened up his beautiful gallery on Santa Fe for many suicide prevention receptions, giving others who are bereaved and who have lived experience with suicidal intensity a chance to connect in an inspiring space. 

A brief video of John Fielder’s testimony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8gnsFVXF8g