Retired Executive Bryan Scott McMillan Advocates for Enhanced Support Systems for Grieving Children and Families

Retired senior executive and philanthropist Bryan Scott McMillan has used a recent interview platform to advocate for greater support for grieving children and families facing emotional hardship, emphasizing the critical need for stronger community involvement and practical assistance. McMillan's advocacy stems from personal tragedy, as he explained, "When my wife passed away, I saw how quickly grief can overwhelm a family." He credited The WARM Place with helping his children recover and demonstrating the power of supportive actions.

The urgency of McMillan's message is underscored by current data showing that 1 in 12 children in the United States will experience the loss of a parent or sibling before reaching age 18. These grieving children face significantly higher risks, being twice as likely to experience depression and three times more likely to struggle academically. Many families, particularly those in lower-income communities, lack access to adequate grief resources. "These numbers aren't abstract," McMillan noted. "They reflect real children who don't know how to make sense of what happened to them."

Following a three-decade career revitalizing global medical device businesses, McMillan's focus shifted dramatically after he began volunteering at The WARM Place in 2006. His philanthropic work expanded to include supporting Camp Sanguinity, and in 2018 he founded Families with Holes, an organization dedicated to providing guidance to families experiencing loss. McMillan described how his leadership philosophy transformed after experiencing grief, stating, "I stopped trying to fix everything and started listening more. Families don't need perfection — they need people who show up."

McMillan emphasizes practical, accessible actions that anyone can take to support grieving families. His recommendations include checking in regularly through messages, meals, or visits; listening without judgment; encouraging rest and routine maintenance; sharing information about local grief centers, church groups, or youth programs; and simply walking with someone. "Walking without headphones has helped me through my darkest seasons," McMillan shared. "It clears the mind. It helps people talk."

The timing of McMillan's advocacy is particularly relevant as many grief support centers report increasing demand with waiting lists extending for weeks or months. "Families feel alone. Children feel confused. And in many cases, the community doesn't know how to step in," McMillan observed. He stressed that formal training isn't necessary to provide meaningful support, concluding, "You don't need training to help someone heal — you just need compassion."