Dear Friends,

As you may or may not know, it has been almost five 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 own 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 dear friend since I first started dating Kim.  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 shared a love of reading, the outdoors...especially the ocean & water - as both were accomplished lifeguards and water polo players.  Forrest had graduated from Sonoma State with honors and Hayden was attending UCSB on a academic scholarship.  He had recently been elected as an officer of the school 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. 

Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure.  It is the best way I know to honor these two amazing young men and all those affected by a similar tragedy. 

Thank you for your generosity in supporting the With Hope Foundation and helping to save lives.

Michael