JD Slajchert is an American novelist, public speaker, philanthropist and screenwriter. Three months after graduating from college, his debut novel MoonFlower was published in 2018. Following the rapid success of his first book, JD embarked on a year-long speaking tour where he talked directly about his career as a college athlete, his journey into becoming an author and his incredible bond with his best friend, Luc Bodden. In the twelve-months following the release of his book, JD reached over 100,000 people with his message, culminating with him delivering the UC Santa Barbara ICA Commencement address to the Class of 2019. JD Slajchert is the Director of Relationship Development for The LucStrong Foundation and a National Ambassador for The American Red Cross. JD Slajchert also co-wrote the original screenplay inspired by his real-life relationship with Luc Bodden, “Happy at You.”

Writing

JD Slajchert's journey as a writer found its unlikely beginning through a series of letters back and forth between him and a good friend. These letters later became the backbone of his first story. When this process began, JD had no idea that he would end up writing the entire 400-page first draft completely by hand. This story eventually became his debut novel, MoonFlower. Following the books release, JD was then approached by an independent film financing group who was interested in adapting his book into a film. Following what has now become his unique modus operandi, JD also co-wrote by hand the original screenplay inspired by his debut novel, "Happy at You."


​No matter how many people tell him otherwise, JD refuses to stop handwriting.    

Speaking
 JD Slajchert is a motivational speaker that inspires individuals from all different ages and socioeconomic backgrounds to follow their dreams. Drawing from experience, JD outlines how his best friend inspired him to change his lifestyle—how to appreciate life. This perspective inspired him to write a book and has since spent his time spreading the ideas from which he called upon in order to pen this novel. He discusses the themes of love, loss, race and equality and how all of these important ideals shape his every day life. As a former division one athlete, JD began his speaking career in the familiar realm of sport. Eventually branching out into the academic world, JD has spoken to over 100,000 people from all walks of life including the entire UCSB Class of 2022 & 2023. As an official Ambassador for The American Red Cross JD has represented them in cities all over California and been a keynote speaker at several sanctioned events.

​JD vows that he will not stop until everyone knows the story about his best friend Luc Bodden. 

You can check out some of his speeches here. And find his entire speaking resume here.

Philanthropy

On November 9th, 2018 just three weeks after his book was published, JD lost his home in Malibu to the Woolsey Fire. The next day JD and his team launched a fundraising campaign #MoonFlowers4Malibu where 100% of MoonFlower's sales were donated to the victims of the Woolsey Fire.

After partnering with several organizations including the American Red Cross and Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial and working with local politicians such as the Mayor of Calabasas and Mayor of Malibu, on March 3rd JD concluded this fundraising campaign by raising over $5,000 for the American Red Cross.

Since then, philanthropy has been cemented as a major pillar of  JD's passions. In 2019, his philanthropic pursuits alone raised over $20,000 to support childhood illnesses, fire victims and educational programs.
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JD Slajchert is the Director of Relationship Development for The LucStrong Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit that supports children with Sickle Cell Disease. JD works directly with donor and community outreach for the foundation, facilitating better communication between their donors and children. In this role he also works directly with several other partners of The LucStrong Foundation including UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital and City of Hope. The LucStrong Reading Club is expected to be implemented into each of these hospitals soon—a curricula centered around the book JD wrote about his best friend Luc Bodden.

For more information about The LucStrong Foundation or to donate please visit the LucStrong website. 
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After partnering with The American Red Cross on several fundraising events, including his own Turn The Page & #MoonFlowers4Malibu fundraisers, he was named an ambassador of the globally recognized non-profit in April of 2019. He has since represented them at over a dozen sanctioned American Red Cross events. He is also a member of the Clara Barton Society.  
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JD Slajchert became an official partner of Be The Match to help inform thousands of people about all different types of blood disorders including Sickle Cell Disease. JD has used his book to help encourage people to join the registry by setting up a sign up code whereby texting "MoonFlower" to 61474 will help you become a donor.