Stan Slovin, representing the mental health advocacy nonprofit Rebecca’s Dream, was interviewed by Roy Kessel of the Sports Philanthropy Network at Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans. During their discussion, Slovin highlighted the growing importance of mental health awareness in sports, emphasizing the need for early intervention, education, and support systems for athletes at all levels. He also addressed the stigma surrounding mental health and the efforts being made to create proactive solutions within sports organizations.
Stan Slovin
For over 30 years, Stanford Slovin has worked in the securities industry with individuals, families, and business owners as a financial professional with major national brokerage firms. Stan earned his bachelor of science degree in finance at the Champaign-Urbana campus of the University of Illinois. He also holds a Juris doctorate from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law. Stan is actively involved in charitable organizations focusing on mental health and children with disabilities. He loves traveling and plays in a rock and roll band. Stan, his wife, and their two adult children are from the Chicagoland area
REBECCA'S DREAM
On a brutally hot August day in Greece, my husband, Norm, and I slowly climbed the steep, ancient steps toward the temple at the Oracle of Delphi. Our guide Helena walked ahead of us, easily and without effort. She was a beautiful, well-educated wife and mother of a 16-month-old son. Her ever-present smile, lovely hazel eyes and gracious demeanor reminded me of our Rebecca. Helena appeared to have it all as she spoke knowledgeably about the historic ruins we saw before us.
On our way down the same stone steps, she and I found ourselves alone, ahead of the group. The inevitable question was asked: “Do you have children?” “Yes,” I answered. “Brett, our son, and Susan have three children. Our daughter, Rebecca, died at the age of 30.” “What happened?” Helena asked. “Was it an accident? Was she ill? I’m so sorry.”
At that moment, I decided to share my daughter’s story with Helena. I told her about Rebecca’s beauty, wit, intelligence, elegance, humor, outrageous laugh and devotion to her family and friends. I told her Rebecca lost her lifelong struggle with depression and bipolar disorder. Helena asked when Rebecca had been diagnosed and what type of treatment she had. She asked how Rebecca managed to work and live her life while managing the disease. It was clear that Helena had a personal interest in my daughter’s story.
I recounted to her that Rebecca was in her early 20s when first diagnosed with bipolar disorder, that she received excellent care and continued to live alone and work as an editor and writer for a prestigious magazine in Chicago. With tears in my eyes, I told Helena how desperately Rebecca wanted to be “normal,” how she tired of always trying to stay one short step ahead of the disease, and how difficult it was to be thought of as “having it all,” while silently suffering. Helena stood still on a narrow stair, turned, looked directly at me with blazing hazel eyes, and said, “Depression steals your life, your heart and your soul. Depression steals the sun. It is hard to fight and still live.”
Helena herself was fighting depression, even as she led her small group of intrepid tourists up and down the stairs of ancient Greece. How could I help this hurting young woman? I told her of Rebecca’s plan to raise funds for DBSA in celebration of her 30th birthday. I told her that Rebecca’s dream was to bring awareness and compassionate understanding to the world about depression and bipolar disorder as real diseases. Forcefully, I spoke about the pain Rebecca felt when she was told to “snap out of it … pull yourself together … you are so spoiled … get a grip on yourself.”
Helena nodded her lovely head in agreement. “No one,” she said, “understands.”
I told Helena about the Rebecca Lynn Cutler Legacy of Life Foundation and the yearly Rebecca‘s Dream benefit, each established by our family, to bring light and hope to millions living with—while beating back the darkness of—these diseases. We arrived at the bottom of the stairs. The beginning of our journey was now the end. Helena and I embraced as we said goodbye. Her final words to me as our group left Delphi were, “Good luck with the Foundation.”
Since our return home from Greece, we haven’t stopped thinking about Helena and her desire to know about Rebecca. Along with words of understanding and support, we have sent her educational materials and a teddy bear from the 2006 Rebecca’s Dream event. I will stay in close touch with Helena. I believe it was my destiny to meet her and that Rebecca sent her to me, knowing I would help her.
Our family will continue to bring compassion, understanding and love to all the Helenas of the world. That is the least we can do to honor the memory of our daughter, Rebecca Lynn Cutler, who—like the gifted Oracle of Delphi—shared her wisdom and vision with all who knew her.
Watch the Interview Here
- [00:01] Introduction & Guest Welcome – Roy Kessel introduces Stan Slovin and his work with Rebecca’s Dream, emphasizing their shared focus on sports philanthropy and mental health advocacy.
- [00:29] Mental Health as a Major Issue in Sports – Discussion on how mental health affects athletes at all levels, from youth sports to professional leagues, and why awareness is growing.
- [00:59] Mission of Rebecca’s Dream – Slovin explains the nonprofit’s role in advocating for mental health awareness, compassion, and education for those struggling with conditions like depression, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies.
- [01:28] The Growing Recognition of Mental Health in Sports – How discussions about mental health have expanded beyond players to include coaches, schools, and organizations, pushing for greater awareness and action.
5. [02:02] Shocking Suicide Statistics Among College Athletes – Slovin shares that 24,000 college athletes consider suicide each year, with 1,100 taking their own lives, reinforcing the urgency of proactive mental health support.
- [02:50] The Invisible Nature of Mental Health Issues – Unlike physical injuries, mental health struggles often go unnoticed, making it difficult for athletes to receive timely help. Slovin stresses the importance of screenings, education, and open dialogue.
- [04:14] The Fear of Speaking Up in Sports – Athletes may hide their struggles due to concerns that coaches or teams might view them as unreliable, creating a barrier to seeking help.
- [05:48] High-Profile Athletes Breaking the Stigma – Prominent athletes like **Michael Phelps, Simone Biles, and Dak Prescott** have publicly shared their mental health challenges, helping to normalize conversations and inspire others.
- [06:42] The Need for Early Intervention & Education – Encouraging parents, teachers, coaches, and mentors to recognize early signs of mental health struggles and provide support before crises arise.
10. [08:36] Progress & Future Steps in Mental Health Advocacy – Discussion on how the NFL and other sports organizations are beginning to implement mental health programs, with hopes of continued progress in breaking stigma and improving access to resources.
