Suicide is the second leading cause of death in the US for people ages 15 – 34, and Vermont’s suicide rate is higher than the national average.

Project Hoeppner was created to increase awareness around the catastrophe that is teen suicide and offer courage for teens to say “I need help” and for their loved ones to hear it. The goal of sponsored events is to create opportunities for teens, loved ones and the community to connect and communicate honestly with each other…without judgement. To learn more, please visit projecthoeppner.com.

I have chosen to support Project HOePpnEr and the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum because I want everyone to know that there is hope for tomorrow and that no matter what, no matter how difficult and messy life can get, they are loved, they are meant to be here to live life, and to live it in abundance, and that they should not go it alone when things get rough.  I have lost family members to suicide, and have friends and colleagues who have had family members die of suicide.  It brings me great joy to be part of a caring community committed to bringing awareness around this tragedy, and to the opening of doors for individuals who are experiencing depression, anxiety, and/or suicidal thoughts, as well as their family members, to have open conversations, to finding ways to express themselves, and to seek help.  I will be rowing for HOPE for TomorROW on June 22 -- I hope you will support my efforts by making a donation.

Thank you!