My brother Andrew was full of passion, energy, and wore his heart on his sleeve. In April of 2023, he lost his battle with his mental illness and took his own life. 

Nothing can prepare you for a loss like that. The flood of emotions that rush in without notice. The pain, anger, and sadness were and still are difficult to deal with, but for me the worst feeling is the feeling of helplessness. 

One day when I was trail running, that feeling of helplessness broke through. I started thinking about my brother and other people that live with depression every day and how they mentally climb their own mountain. Maybe some days they get to the top, maybe most days they don’t. Regardless they go to bed and wake up day after day and climb that same mountain. It was right then and there I made the decision I didn’t want to feel helpless anymore. I would turn this awful tragedy into something positive. 

To raise awareness for suicide prevention and symbolize the mental mountain people with depression climb, I’m starting a fundraiser called the “Cardinal Climb”.  I’ll be pairing this with my first mountaineering trip to summit Mount Rainier on June 14^th 2024 - a day before my brother’s birthday.

I’m asking for your donation, no matter the size, that will benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. 100% of your donation will go towards this incredible nonprofit. If you can’t donate financially, I ask that you donate your time. Please CLICK HERE to learn about what to do when someone is at risk. 

Most recent statistics from the CDC:

Suicide is one of the leading causes for death in the United States and has increased 2.6% from 2021 to 2022. In 2021, 48,183 people died by suicide in the United States, that’s 1 death every 11 minutes. The suicide rate among males in 2021 was four times higher than the rate of females. Males make up 50% of the population but nearly 80% of suicides. Firearms are the most common method used in suicides making up 55%. For more information and statistics please CLICK HERE

If you are having suicidal thoughts, please call 988. It is a lifeline. It’s not weak to ask for help; it’s the exact opposite. You are strong for admitting that you need support. 

Please help me in my journey to raise awareness for suicide prevention. Because one life lost to suicide is one too many. 

Everyone who makes an online donation will receive an e-mail confirmation receipt for tax purposes. Donors who give $250 or more will receive a receipt by mail.

To follow my journey click here