When the Doorbell Rang: Faith, Humor, and Newfound Purpose after the Loss of a Child

The night the doorbell rang everything changed for Jerry Anselmo. His only son, Brian, tragically passed away at twenty-eight years old from the unforeseen effects of a single sleeping pill. As the head of an Italian-American family, Jerry was duty-bound to lead and comfort his wife and two daughters through the grief that united them. But could he?

In this heartfelt memoir, Jerry delves into the depths of his despair to share how he grappled with the weight of responsibility during the tumultuous aftermath of Brian’s passing. Driven by a promise to his wife to keep Brian’s memory alive, Jerry founded one of Kansas City's most esteemed charitable organizations, the BMA Foundation, to support children’s charities and animal welfare.

When the Doorbell Rang shares Jerry’s triumphs and challenges in a rich life full of both joy and grief. A seasoned comedian, Jerry is also a compassionate guide for those who may be confronting their own loss of a child. Through his experiences and philanthropic endeavors, Jerry demonstrates that even in the face of unimaginable loss, there is resilience, hope, and the potential to discover renewed purpose.