John Travolta says the Church of Scientology never left his family’s side.

Long-time Scientologist John Travolta gives credit to the Church of Scientology for supporting him and his family through the grief and bereavement that came after his son Jett tragically died in 2009. He said that his son’s death was the “worst thing that’s ever happened” to him. He spoke to US Weekly, saying “I didn’t know if I was going to make it.”

Travolta said he survived because of the continued support of his religion, Scientology, which he has been practicing since 1975. “The church never left our side for two years,” he said. “I don’t know if I would have made it through without their support. Our church is the number one thing that keeps us grounded.” He went on to create the Jett Travolta Foundation, a non-profit with the purpose of helping special needs children, in honor of Jett.

Jett, who had autism, also suffered from Kawasaki disease at the age of two. He also had history of seizures. He had a seizure that led to his death while the Travoltas were on a holiday vacation. The 16-year-old reportedly injured his head gravely during the seizure. Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) could not revive him. His death certificate lists the seizure as the cause of his death.

Resources

Follow the Conversation on Twitter