Episode 203: Cordan James Haveron

He was called a “crack baby,” a negative label he’s learned to reframe. Cordan James draws upon his experiences as a child born with neonatal abstinence syndrome. Cordan is a fighter. As the only black person in a rural community, he fought to belong. As a young man, he also fought to fit in… and sometimes to stand out. He spent his life in the foster care system. He had beautiful relationships with adoptive family and friends, and he experienced boldfaced racial discrimination and stereotyping. But Cordan never stopped fighting to discover who he was. He joined the US military, where he became a leader, and he was later reunited with his birth family. Through all the challenges, Cordan never stopped fighting. He’s a living example of the kind of resilience that only shows up in a life beset by extraordinary challenges. And that’s why they call him “The Comeback Kid.” Cordan’s voice, life, and mission are all about giving children hope. Hope for a brighter future, and the tools to see their life in new ways today. For adults like Cordan who have a traumatic story, Cordan’s life and message show that it’s never too late to manifest the fearless imaginings of their childhood. Cordan James Haveron is a motivational speaker, life coach, and the founder of The Comeback Kid Mentorship Program. Influenced by the WhyTry Program, he uses WhyTry today to support biological and adoptive families, veterans, and mental health professionals.