
WALK ON
by Stephen Panus
AUTHOR AND INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKER
• “Walk On” hailed as “a brave and beautifully written book”…“a must read”…”courageous and brilliant”…and a story “that grips your soul and forces you to feel deeply”
• A featured “Good Morning America” Book Club Buzz Selection
• Proceeds from the sale of “Walk On” support the Jake Panus Walk On Scholarships
• Stephen Panus is regarded as an acclaimed, emotionally powerful keynote speaker inspiring hope and purpose
Ep. 85 - Stephen Panus
The most trusted, authoritative and influential voice in the publishing world, Kirkus Book Reviews, proclaims “Walk On” to be “a raw, moving memoir that deftly explores grief and hope in equal measure … It is Panus’ unique and sometimes poetic turns of phrase, however, that truly bring Jake’s story to life … The author’s acknowledgment that grief is an “unwelcome topic in our society” makes his willingness to tackle it head-on even more admirable.”
The preface of “Walk On” was written by Shane Beamer, Head Football Coach at the University of South Carolina.
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“Walk On” is a deeply moving journey of a father’s rise from tragedy and a heartfelt tribute to a son’s enduring spirit and a father’s unbreakable love. In this powerful memoir, Panus shares the story of unimaginable loss and the resilience that follows, capturing the raw emotions of grief, hope and the relentless pursuit of honoring a loved one’s legacy. With vivid storytelling and profound insight, “Walk On” is more than a book - it’s equally a mindset as well as a reminder that even in the face of tragedy, love never fades. A must-read for anyone seeking inspiration, hope, healing, and the courage to keep moving forward.
An inspirational and emotionally powerful story of a father who suffered every parent’s worst nightmare, yet found a way to turn his pain into purpose. Beyond the grief, Walk On is being lauded for teaching that the pathway to a purposeful life filled with honesty, integrity, resilience, effort, gratitude, kindness, compassion, and service, among other positive traits and values, resides within all of us.
Sports reporter Lindsay Czarniak raves: "There is no question ‘Walk On’ will change lives... Stephen's messages that began as Post-its to his children are observations and lessons I hope to pass onto my own kids.”
Hall of Fame radio personality, Jim Rome, proclaims: "This is a story of ... inspiration, courage, gratitude and the reminder to always be present and live in the moment."
Best-selling author and ESPN sports reporter, Marty Smith, reveals: "The honesty in these pages offers ... an injection of perspective for the simplicity of life’s truest joys."
Harris Pastides, President Emeritus at the University of South Carolina, sharess: "this book offers promise and hope, like rays of sun..."
Kyle Brandt of the NFL Network and CBS Sports, asserts: "Stephen Panus has done something incredible. He has written a book ... that will inspire and fill you with hope. "
ESPN sports reporter and author, Lauren Sisler, lauds: "No matter the challenges you face in life, this book will help you reframe your mindset and bring you closer to the life you were meant to lead with great intent and purpose.”
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In today’s world, grief and adversity are seemingly everywhere, more so than ever. These universal concepts cause many to suffer and lose hope. Walk On will help you discover the mindset needed to overcome whatever struggle, hardship or adversity you encounter.
Drawing upon wisdom, leadership, parenthood, and a 35-year career as a sports marketing executive, Stephen Panus highlights indispensable values and traits that illuminate a pathway for turning pain into purpose and becoming the best version of ourselves. We all suffer in some manner and no matter what happens or how it happens, we all must ‘Walk On’ in our lives.
‘Walk On’ is published by Koehler Books.
AVAILABLE NOW AT THESE BOOKSELLERS, AMONG OTHERS:
WATCH THE FIRST JAKE PANUS WALK ON SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATION (Sept. 2021)
STEPHEN PANUS
Stephen Panus is a storyteller at heart — one driven by purpose, resilience, and the unwavering belief that we can turn pain into positive change. As the author of the best-selling book “Walk On”, he shares his deeply personal journey following the tragic loss of his son, Jake, who was tragically and suddenly killed as a passenger in a reckless and senseless car crash at the tender age of sixteen in the summer of 2020. Through telling his story, Stephen inspires others to find strength, meaning, and hope in life’s most difficult moments.
“Walk On” was honored as a “Good Morning America” Book Club Buzz selection, and its impact extends far beyond the pages. Proceeds from the book support the Jake Panus Walk On Scholarships, which help Native American youth pursue higher education — a cause close to Jake’s heart and a powerful way to continue his legacy — as well as walk-on student athletes at the University of South Carolina, and disadvantaged, inner-city youth from Bridgeport, CT, respectively.
In addition to writing, Stephen is a passionate advocate for education, healing, and resilience. Whether speaking to groups, connecting with readers, or working to help those in need move forward, his goal is to empower others to overcome challenges and walk forward with purpose.
Stephen has been a publicist, sports agent, artist, attorney, sports marketing executive, author, and motivational speaker. He’s represented an NFL Pro Bowl player and Super Bowl champion, a multiple-time winner of the Indianapolis 500 and a “Dancing with the Stars” champion, and international star tennis player. Yet, the only title that’s ever mattered to him has been being a father.
Stephen and his wife, Kellie, live in Connecticut with their son, Liam, daughter, April, and two dogs (Pearl and Jedi).