Let’s Talk Grief™ Welcomes James Donaldson, Author and Former 20 Year NBA Basketball Player

James Donaldson is a new member of the Let’s Talk Grief™ Project Team. He is the author of “Celebrating Your Gift Of Life: From The Verge Of Suicide To A Life, A Purpose And Joy (Mental Health & Suicide Prevention," published in 2021.) The book is divided into twenty-one chapters that share Donaldson’s story of his struggle with grief, depression, and suicidal thoughts after he retired from the NBA. It also offers practical advice on how he managed to work through this tragic time in his life and find a greater purpose for living.

In 2019, Donaldson founded the “Your Gift of Life” Foundation. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is based in Seattle, Washington, and focuses on education and support for people struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts. To read more about Donaldson, visit his website at www.yourgiftoflife.org 

Donaldson, a 7'2" Center, played in the National Basketball Association for 20 years with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac–10 Sports Hall of Fame and the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. He lives in Seattle, Washington.