Dear friends,

As most of you know, it has been almost six years since I lost my beloved Godson, Forrest to suicide. He had been dealing with depression for some time, and sadly he wasn't able to get the right help soon enough.  Forrest was a beautiful soul, a "big brother" to my son, and not a day goes by that I don't wish there was something I could have done.

Forrest III, his father, has been my friend since we were at Cal State Fullerton together in 1984.  The Brown children and the four Werner children, Whitney, Forrest, Haley and Hayden literally grew up together and our families share many amazing memories.

My loss was great, but the loss was far more painful for the family, especially for Forrest's brother Hayden.  Tragically, Hayden took his life on May 20, 2016.  These two young men were as close as I have ever seen siblings be.  They insisted in sleeping in their childhood bunk beds when Forrest would come home from college and they were known to still drag out the box of Legos and build amazing things together.  They shared a love of reading, the outdoors...especially the ocean, as both were accomplished lifeguards and water polo players.  Forrest had graduated from Sonoma State with honors and Hayden was attending UCSB on a scholarship.  He had recently been elected as an officer of the schools ski team at the time of his passing.  These were charismatic, charming, intelligent, thoughtful, faith-filled, young men and their loss is profound.

Through The Amber Craig foundation, a greater light shines on the need for intervention and suicide prevention.  There is often times a stigma placed on mental health issues, and that must change.  We seek help for our medical issues without judgment, and mental health should be no different.  With Hope speaks to our youth at the junior, senior high school and college levels. They educate young people about depression and suicide to give them the tools necessary to fight this battle.  With Hope also offers bereavement support, and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills training to help prevent suicide, and minister to those who have experienced a loss.  Because I have such a passion for this cause, I am now volunteering for With Hope, and am serving as the volunteer coordinator for the 14th annual Walk With Hope.

The format of the walk will be different this year, but hopefully that means more of you can join us vitually. The need for your support couldnt be greater.  The fallout from the pandemic is tragic and the services With Hope provides couldn't be more vital!

Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure.  It is the best way I know to honor these two amazing young men.

God bless you all for the kindness you have shown me during this journey.  Thank you for your generosity in supporting the With Hope Foundation and helping to save lives.

Kim