The decision to get involved with a non-profit focused on suicide prevention was deeply personal for me. Over the course of just a few short years, I lost my uncle Tim, my dear friend Jerry, and my younger brother Matthew. Each of these losses left a profound mark on my heart, and the weight of their absence has been something I carry with me every day. But alongside that grief is a drive to turn my pain into purpose.

Uncle Tim was someone who could light up a room with his laughter. He had a way of making everyone feel special, yet beneath his joyful exterior, he was fighting battles that none of us truly understood until it was too late. Losing him was a wake-up call, but at the time, I didn’t know how to respond.

Then came Jerry. He was more than a friend—he was like family. We shared so many milestones and memories, and his kindness was unmatched. When we lost him, it felt like the ground beneath me had shifted. I began to see how widespread and silent the struggles of mental health can be, how easy it is to miss the signs when you’re not looking for them.

But nothing could have prepared me for losing Matthew. My little brother was my world. Watching someone so young and full of potential succumb to the weight of their pain is a heartbreak I wouldn’t wish on anyone. It was Matthew’s passing that finally propelled me to act. I couldn’t sit idly by while others endured the same anguish that my family and I experienced.

Life goes on, as they say, but I refuse to let their memories fade into the background. Instead, I’ve chosen to honor Tim, Jerry, and Matthew by working to improve the lives of others who might be struggling with similar challenges. Their stories remind me of how fragile yet precious life is, and how critical it is to create spaces where people feel safe, heard, and supported.

Every step I take in this journey is a tribute to them. Whether it’s distributing resources, advocating for mental health awareness, or simply being a compassionate listener, my goal is to ensure that fewer families endure the pain that mine has. Through this work, I hope to keep Tim’s laughter, Jerry’s kindness, and Matthew’s bright potential alive in the hearts of others. Together, we can build a world where no one has to face their struggles alone.