Dear Friends and Family,
This October marks the 3rd annual “On the Road for Brod” team, created in honor of my son, Brody, who we lost to suicide on October 2nd, 2023. This year feels especially tender—he would have turned 18, a milestone Senior year filled with all the moments and celebrations he deserved.
If you knew Brody, you know he loved fiercely, laughed deeply, and had a crazy quick-wit that would sneak up on you. He had, still has, a way of filling a room with joy. He is remembered for proudly wearing red, white, and blue every single day to honor his grand and great-grand-parents, and for those who continue to serve and sacrifice for our country. I love hearing funny, sometimes "clutch my pearls" stories [insert a Brody eye roll here]. He was fearless when it came to making others laugh. There are kind memories that so many share about him—it reminds me how much light he carried and how much he gave to others.
And yet, alongside those memories, we also know the devastating reality of what happens when someone doesn’t feel loved unconditionally. My hope is that by honoring Brody, we can help create change—spreading more love, kindness, and belly laughs into the world, just as he would want.
This year, I am walking with the Run For Your Life (RFYL) committee, supporting the Help Center, an organization I’ve believed in for years and one that now holds even greater meaning to me personally. The Help Center provides critical suicide prevention and crisis support in our community—work that saves lives every single day.
I invite you to join me:
❤️ Register and walk/run with our team “On the Road for Brod.”
🤍 Make a donation in Brody’s honor to support the Help Center.
💙 Cheer us on—from the sidelines or in spirit.
Just look for the red, white, and blue—we’ll be walking for Brody, for hope, and for healing.
With love and gratitude,
Jody
