HUGS HELP Media Coverage

Grief in the extreme: Rochester man describes surviving the death of two daughters, mom in traffic collision

Randy Stocker said his book is about surviving loss and also how people can be more sensitive when helping people through their grief Read More

"Hugs Help" Author Visits Park Rapids to Discuss the Grieving Process

How to Support people who are grieving.

New Ulm Public Library Understanding Grief with Randy Stocker

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Becker’s Healthcare Podcast with Randy Stocker

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Emotional Grit With Randy Stocker | Surviving Grief: A Story of Tragedy, Resilience and Ho

The intersection kills more.

Why do people keep dying on Route 9 in Bloomington?

On July 22, 2003, my mother, Jean Stocker, as well as my two daughters, Jenelle, age 19, and Amy, age 9, were all killed by a truck driver. This accident took place on Highway 9 — just east of the Bloomington (IL) airport.

Ford County Chronicle (June 2022)

GIBSON CITY — Randy Stocker, who grew up in Gibson City, recently wrote a book on grief and grieving.

“Hugs Help” talks about him surviving the death of three family members to a distracted truck driver on July 22, 2003. Killed in the accident near the Bloomington airport were his mother, Jean Stocker, and his two daughters, Jenelle, 19, and Amy, 9.

Gibson City native pens book, ‘Hugs Help,’ to help others cope with grief | Ford County Chronicle

Quincy IL Herald-Whig (6-17-22)

QUINCY — There was a time, a long time actually, when former Quincy resident Randy Stocker thought he’d never be able to truly grieve the loss of his two daughters and mother, whose lives tragically ended in a 2003 traffic accident near Bloomington.

He visited the cemetery daily. He resented his wife for six months because she refused to mourn. His son, Matt — 17 at the time — has not shed a tear to this day.

Stocker decided to do something about it. He wrote a book, “Hugs Help,” about his family’s loss, survival and the desire to help others.

Hugs Help: Randy Stocker's Story of Tragic Loss, Survival and Helping Others | | whig.com

Grief is not a disorder, a disease, or a sign of weakness

Grief is not a disorder, a disease or a sign of weakness. It is an emotional, physical and spiritual necessity, the price you pay for love. The only cure for grief is to grieve.” - Earl Grollman

We all grieve at various times in our lives and yet we often feel awkward around the grief of others. What can we do or say that will help ease their pain?

My congregation, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, will be offering a free event to address this issue. We have invited author Randy Stocker from Rochester, MN to speak in Lansing. He will give a presentation and answer questions on Sunday, October 23 from 1-2 p.m. at the Driftless Area Education and Visitors Center, 1944 Columbus Rd, Lansing.

Stocker has a tragic story to share: His mother and two of his daughters were killed in a car accident in 2003. In the wake of such unimaginable loss, he eventually found healing and new life. Now his life is dedicated to helping others overcome their grief. He wrote a book called Hugs Help: Our Story of Tragic Loss, Survival and Helping Others. You can find out more at Hugshelp.org.

If you or someone you know is struggling with their grief, this book offers valuable insight. Our church is delighted to bring Randy Stocker to Lansing so that he can share his wisdom and compassion. We believe he can bring us all a great deal of much needed healing. I hope that you and your friends will join us.

Rev. Laura Gentry

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Lansingon goes here