Walk with us. Give with us. Help change the future — for our kids, our community, and in honor of Jerry.

Twenty-six years ago, I lost my little brother, Jerry, to suicide on his 16th birthday. There was a birthday cake. A brand-new car in the driveway. And within hours, he was gone.

Now, I’m a mother of three — with one in high school, one in middle school, and one in elementary. My kids are approaching the age Jerry was when we lost him, and that reality terrifies me.

Every closed door. Every quiet “I’m fine.” Every eye roll and moment of silence — they carry the weight of a thousand what ifs. The world is throwing so much at our kids right now, and I worry every day about how they’re coping.

As a parent, it’s my job to fight for them.

For my children.

For your children.

For their friends, our schools, and our entire community.

But more than that — it’s my passion to fight for all kids. Every single one of them deserves support, connection, and a chance to heal.

That’s why I’m walking on Saturday, May 11 in the Emerge 5K with Team Jerr Bear, in memory of my brother and in support of Rise Against Suicide.

Rise provides free therapy to youth ages 12–19 in the Boulder Valley and St. Vrain School Districts who are struggling with suicidal thoughts. No cost. No insurance. No waitlists. Just life-saving support — when and where it’s needed most.

This is our community. These are our kids. This is our future.

Please consider joining us.

Walk with us. Donate. Share. Take action.

Together, we can create a future where no child has to suffer in silence.

Keep Going - We Rise Together!