Former female welterweight champion Mia St. John has endured immense pain and personal tragedies throughout her life. From her son’s battle with mental illness to the devastating loss of her former spouse, she has faced tremendous challenges. Born into a Mexican-American heritage, St. John found success as a professional boxer, achieving numerous titles and accolades throughout her career.

However, her personal life was marred by hardships. Her marriage to actor Kristoff St. John ended in divorce in 1995 despite the couple also sharing two children, Julian and Paris. Moreover, a profound tragedy struck when Julian, battling mental illness for years, took his own life on November 23, 2014. The incident left a lasting impact on the former champion who recently detailed what her son’s condition was like before his tragic death.

Unveiling the struggles: Mia St. John opens up about her son’s battle with schizophrenia

In a recent interview with the Today Show, John candidly recounts the heart-wrenching moments leading up to her son’s passing. She recalls the anguish of searching for Julian, who struggled with schizophrenia, often finding him in distressing situations, delusional and unaware of his surroundings.

“I would be on the streets day and night, searching for my son. I would find him in the park, half-naked, completely delusional, and not knowing what was going on,” she said.

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Her desperate attempts to support her son and ensure his well-being were met with the harsh realities of mental illness. In addition to this, she also spoke up on how she felt after hearing that her son was no more for the first time.

From unimaginable loss to empowered purpose: Mia St. John’s journey of advocacy and healing

The news of Julian’s death shattered St. John’s world. Devastated by the call from the hospital confirming her son’s passing, she vividly remembers the raw pain that consumed her. The anguish she experienced, screaming at the top of her lungs, underscored the depth of her sorrow. Moreover, at that moment, she realized that her purpose in life extended beyond the boxing ring.

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“I got a call a few hours later from the hospital saying that my son was gone and I remember screaming at the top of my lungs, ‘No, no!’ I knew then that I was born for a purpose, and it was not to beat the crap out of another human being.” she said.

St. John’s journey is one of immense pain, resilience, and purpose. From dealing with her son’s mental illness to enduring the loss of her former spouse, she has faced unfathomable challenges. However, in the face of such adversity, St. John has emerged as a beacon of strength, using her platform to raise awareness about mental health. In addition, she has now become a prominent mental health advocate fighting against illness and also finding a bigger purpose in her life.

What did you think about St. John reliving one of the most painful moments in her life while advocating for change? Let us know in the comments.

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