I’m Patrick Johns. My son, Toby, and I have been finding strength and healing at Hope Floats since 2018, after the loss of his mom, Sarah. Inspired by the incredible support we’ve received, I’m honored to be a peer facilitator, offering a listening ear and a helping hand to other grieving parents and guardians within Mike’s Club.
I was fortunate to find a community of heartfelt support at Hope Floats over the loss of my daughter Jamie. The empathy and insight I received from two beautiful group leaders and other group members was instrumental in guiding me forward in my grief journey. For the past ten years I have facilitated two grief groups for suicide loss. I have been inspired by meeting so many courageous, open-hearted, deeply compassionate individuals and families who have helped each other move forward after such a devastating loss. I also volunteer at Mike’s Club. It has been a joy for me to work with such honest and resilient kids, who continue to put a smile on my face at each meeting.
I’m retired living in Plymouth with my husband. I enjoy reading, hiking, biking, kayaking and walking my 90lb exuberant lab Hudson who never stops wagging his tail.
Sara Weiss, co-facilitator of the Child Loss I group, experienced the profound loss of her 9-year-old son, Jordan, in 2003 due to complications because of a missed type 1 diabetes diagnosis.
Motivated by this tragedy, Sara and her husband initiated a warning signs of diabetes awareness campaign in Massachusetts, which has since contributed to the diagnosis of 35 children. Her advocacy includes service on the American Diabetes Association’s New England Chapter Advocacy Committee, presenting at the Massachusetts State House, and receiving national recognition at the ADA’s scientific session. Sara has also shared her story and awareness campaign in training sessions for school nurses at the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston.
Sara is an ambassador for Beyond Type 1’s diabetes awareness campaign and has collaborated with the Massachusetts chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics to expand this campaign within the state. Her insights are featured in her published story, “A Mother’s Cautionary Tale,” on the BT1 website. Beyond her advocacy work, Sara has also found healing and purpose in music. She performed professionally in a vocal trio throughout Boston and currently sings with Pilgrim Festival Chorus, a premier South Shore choral ensemble, where she serves as president. Sara continues to honor Jordan’s memory while offering support and hope to others facing similar challenges.