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The Golden Gate Bridge stands as a testament to human engineering, a symbol of San Francisco’s beauty and resilience. But for many, it represents something far darker. For Kevin Hines, on the morning of September 25, 2000, it was the final destination of a long and silent war.

At just 19 years old, Kevin was battling a formidable enemy: bipolar disorder. The illness had become an anchor, dragging him into a deep, inescapable darkness. On that fateful day, he walked with heavy steps toward the bridge, the weight of his despair a physical burden. He stood on the edge, the churning waters below seeming to whisper a final invitation, while cars rushed past, their occupants oblivious to the storm raging inside him.

In a moment of profound agony, Kevin climbed over the railing and jumped. He fell at a terrifying speed, the equivalent of a 22-story plunge. The impact with the water was devastating, shattering his spine and searing his body with unimaginable pain. And yet, against all odds, he was alive.

Floating in the icy bay, a searing regret washed over him. He later shared the chilling clarity of that moment: “The moment my hands left the railing, I knew I had made a terrible mistake. I wanted to live.”

Then, a moment of extraordinary grace unfolded. As he struggled to stay afloat, a presence emerged beneath him. He braced himself for a shark, but instead, he met a protector: a sea lion. It circled him, nudging and holding his body above the waves, a guardian in the face of death, until the Coast Guard arrived.

That day, Kevin was not just rescued from death; he was given a second chance at life. The brokenness of his body became the foundation for a new purpose. He chose to transform his pain into a mission, becoming a global voice for mental health advocacy.

He wrote the powerful book, Cracked, Not Broken, a raw and honest account of his journey. His story, a beacon of hope for so many, carries a powerful message. He reminds us all: “Hold on for just one more moment… because that moment could save everything.”

Kevin’s journey is a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is hope. Sometimes, a protector emerges from the unlikeliest of places—a sea lion, a kind stranger, a friend, or even a single thought that whispers, “Hold on.” His story teaches us that we are not defined by our struggles, but by how we choose to rise from them.

If you or someone you know is struggling, remember Kevin’s words. Your story is not over. There is help. There is hope. You are worthy of a second chance.