Synopsis

           In Overcoming Tuesday, you’ll find a man on a journey through a difficult childhood, entering a beloved career, marrying the love of his life, having a wonderful family together, and embarking on a career dedicated to his personnels’ safety. He held many roles dedicated to cancer prevention and mental health at the local and national levels. Although he had many successes in those roles, he also had major setbacks.

           In this book, Jim shares with you what those journeys looked like and their associated pain, some of which could be anticipated and some which blindsided him. More importantly, he shares with you what he learned in hopes that someone going through a similar journey—not only a firefighter but any person, regardless of vocation— may be able to avoid the same struggles.

           Co-Author Jim Burneka Jr. speaks of his experiences with post-traumatic stress disorder, organizational betrayal, cancer, and mental illness. He shares his efforts, struggles, victories, defeats, and lessons learned. Firefighters are a breed very proud of their strength of character, but they struggle with their vulnerability. What Jim shares in this book is the powerful message that vulnerability is not a weakness, but a strength.

           The book is a very easy read, but don't let that fool you; it is full of important lessons to absorb and apply to your life. Then, share what you've learned with people going through troubled times similar to those Jim outlines in this book. When you’ve finished Overcoming Tuesday, you’ll have laughed and been brought to tears, and it will certainly make you think. Ultimately, it will provide invaluable knowledge to give you hope to overcome your own Tuesday!

Overcoming Tuesday Available on Amazon
May 1st, 2024

Get Your Copy Now

Overcoming Tuesday Available on Amazon May 1st, 2024

Get Your Copy Now



about the authors

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Jim Burneka

Jim is a recently retired Dayton Ohio Firefighter Paramedic. He was the Health & Safety/Peer Support Coordinator for Dayton Firefighters Local 136 before retiring. Jim lives in Beavercreek with his wife Lauren, and two boys Jameson, & Logan. Jim has a monthly webcast on Fire Engineering and is the Co-Founder of the annual FF Health & Wellness Conference in "Exotic" Beavercreek Ohio.
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Hilary Hawkins

Hilary was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio. As a young child, Hilary found her voice through writing. She obtained her Masters degree in Education, and had the joy of teaching preschool. Hilary and her husband Jestin have two precious children, Ava and Jett. She continues to live in gratitude for the countless blessings the Lord has given her.



Stay up to date with the latest news on overcoming Tuesday

Five After Midnight: Overcoming Tuesday

Stephanie White invites Jim Burneka and Hillary Hawkins on to discuss their new book "Overcoming Tuesday". The book dives into Jim's journey as a firefighter, and the struggles and challenges that the profession can have on a person. It walks through his personal journey, mental trauma, treatment, and ongoing recovery.

PTSD and Beyond

In this week's PTSD and Beyond Podcast episode, Jim Berneka, Hilary Hawkins and I chat about their book, Overcoming Tuesday, releasing on May 1st, From our conversation, you'll experience and hear the journey that brought Jim facing with the unknown of healing and his sister, Hilary's, encouragement to co-write the book that brought their family closer.

get plugged into the ecosystem

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Firefighter Cancer Consultants

The Firefighter Cancer Consultants, LLC was established in late 2014. We have assisted Fire Departments throughout the country with their Firefighter Cancer Awareness, Prevention, and Support programs. The Firefighter Cancer Consultants, LLC specialize in evaluating Fire Departments through interviews, policy/procedure review, and station inspections. The information obtained is used to create an individualized department program that will help reduce the risk of members receiving an occupational cancer diagnosis.
Visit the Website
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THE 25 LIVE PODCAST WITH JIM BURNEKA

A new podcast promoting the health and wellness of firefighters worldwide. The "25" Live Podcast with Jim Burneka interviews experts from around the world on firefighter cancer and wellness.
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