This cause is deeply personal to me.

Twenty-Five years ago, I lost my brother, Christopher, to suicide.  He was seventeen.  I was nineteen and it was spring of my freshman year at Vanderbilt University.  Christopher struggled with depression and I was not blind to the fact that he saw the world differently than the rest of us, but when I received that fateful call from my father, saying “Christopher died,” I went straight to thinking car accident.  I had never considered that suicide was a possibility, despite his well-known struggles. 

Over the years, I’ve tried to be open about Christopher’s story for two reasons: to keep his memory alive – he was not just a brother, but my best friend - and to help break down the barriers and stigma that still exist around conversations about depression and suicide

Now, as a parent, this mission feels even more important to me. Watching my own children, Henry (10) and Sam (6), begin to navigate the social and emotional challenges that come with growing up has given me a new perspective on how critical early support, education, and honest conversations really are.

That’s why I chose Erika’s Lighthouse. Their work focuses on giving schools practical tools to support students before they reach a crisis point. Their programs help students recognize depression, encourage empathy, reduce stigma, and connect young people with support when they need it most. The fact that they are a local organization, right next door to us in Winnetka, makes the connection feel even more significant.

If you’re able, I would be incredibly grateful for your support of this fundraiser. Whether through a donation, sharing this message, or simply helping continue open conversations around mental health, it truly means a lot to me and my family. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for supporting a cause that means so much to me.

With Love and Hope,

John Tilsch