Walk On

Stephen Panus is an author, storyteller, mentor and coach 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 16-year-old son, Jake, who was a passenger in a vehicle tragically killed in a reckless and senseless car crash in the summer of 2020. Through telling his story, inspirational speaking and leadership development training, Stephen inspires others to find strength, create meaning, and hold tightly onto hope in life’s most difficult moments. His debut novel, The Circles We Carry, will be published on December 4, 2026.

Walk On was honored as a “Good Morning America” Book Club Buzz selection and a category finalist in the Eric Hoffer International Book Awards. The most influential voice in the publishing world, Kirkus Reviews, proclaimed Walk On to be “a raw, moving memoir that deftly explores grief and hope in equal measure.” Its impact extends far beyond the pages. Proceeds from the book support the Jake Panus Walk On Scholarships, which supports three college scholarships in South Dakota, South Carolina, and Connecticut. Each scholarship fuels a cause close to Jake's heart; spreading joy by helping young, underserved children pursue their college dreams.