Retired senior executive and philanthropist Bryan Scott McMillan has used a recent interview platform to advocate for increased support for grieving children and families experiencing emotional hardship. McMillan emphasized the growing need for community involvement and practical assistance, drawing from both statistical evidence and his personal journey following the loss of his wife. "When my wife passed away, I saw how quickly grief can overwhelm a family," McMillan shared. "The WARM Place helped my children find their footing again, and it taught me how powerful small acts of support can be." His advocacy is grounded in concerning national statistics showing that 1 in 12 children in the U.S. will lose a parent or sibling before age 18, with grieving children being twice as likely to experience depression and three times more likely to struggle academically.
After a three-decade career revitalizing global medical device businesses, McMillan's focus shifted dramatically when he began volunteering at The WARM Place in 2006. He later supported Camp Sanguinity, and in 2018 founded Families with Holes, an organization offering guidance to families experiencing loss. "My leadership changed after grief. I stopped trying to fix everything and started listening more. Families don't need perfection — they need people who show up," McMillan explained. Rather than advocating for large-scale initiatives or donations, McMillan emphasizes simple, accessible actions that community members can take. His recommendations include checking in regularly through messages, meals, or visits; listening without judgment; encouraging rest and routine for overwhelmed families; sharing helpful resources such as local grief centers or youth programs; and the simple act of walking with someone. "Walking without headphones has helped me through my darkest seasons. It clears the mind. It helps people talk," McMillan noted.
The timing of this call to action is particularly relevant as many grief support centers report rising demand with waiting lists stretching weeks or months. "Families feel alone. Children feel confused. And in many cases, the community doesn't know how to step in," McMillan observed. "You don't need training to help someone heal — you just need compassion." His approach represents a shift from traditional support models toward community-based, accessible interventions that anyone can provide. McMillan's advocacy highlights the critical gap between professional grief services and everyday community support, suggesting that widespread adoption of simple compassionate actions could significantly alleviate the emotional burden on grieving families. The emphasis on practical, no-cost interventions makes this approach scalable and immediately applicable across diverse communities, potentially reducing the long-term psychological and academic impacts documented in grieving children.
