A Second Wind for Suicide Loss

It's been almost five years since my sister passed. Her death has become a profound demarcation in our family story. There was life with Kristin - her energy, her warmth, the way she lost herself caring for people and animals, the laundry basket-sized salads she used to prepare, the way she snorted when she laughed (despite trying to suppress this for YEARS) - and now there is life after Kristin, without all those things and so much more.

"Grief with the volume turned up" - this is how someone once described suicide loss to me. To be honest I haven't known how to channel this pain other than trying to be there for my parents. Mostly I don't talk about it. Kristin was my little sister and I feel like I wasn't able to protect her.

Last year, I decided to act. I started researching non-profits in the suicide prevention space. There had to be a way to extract some good from this.

Then I found Second Wind Fund and joined the board. This impactful organization focuses on a younger at-risk demographic, removing barriers and improving access to mental health resources. I have two kids who will be coming of age in the next few years. They will be navigating a world full of unique stressors within a complex healthcare system that is mostly broken - especially when it comes to treating psychological wellbeing. 

In honor of Kristin and everyone who has ever been impacted by suicide, I hope you consider donating. Every dollar goes towards a potentially life-saving therapy session for a young person at risk.

Love to all ❤

Jeff