On July 30th, 2015, my world changed forever. My daughter, Sara Renea—affectionately known as “Bob”—died by suicide at just 16 years old due to an undiagnosed mental illness. Bright, beautiful, and deeply loved, she left this world carrying pain none of us ever knew she bore.
Sara was a perfectionist, a gifted student with a 4.7 GPA, fluent in multiple languages, and passionate about baking, music, anime, and penguins. She loved helping others, organizing things with precision, and spending time with her family. She lit up every room with her smile. She was hilarious, brilliant, and filled with life. And yet, she suffered in silence.
Unlike others who might express their mental health struggles out loud, Sara kept hers hidden. She knew she was loved—but love alone wasn’t enough to protect her from the inner battle she was fighting. We never got the chance to intervene… never even knew there was a fight going on.
That’s why this cause is so important.
I’m raising money for Speak Up, an organization committed to ending the stigma around mental illness and empowering young people to use their voice. If we can help just one more child feel seen… if we can help just one more parent recognize the signs… if we can help prevent just one more tragedy like Sara’s… then her story becomes a spark for change.
Donate in Sara’s memory—not because she lost her battle, but because her story can help others win theirs.
She was more than her struggles. She was laughter and late-night baking. She was intellect and creativity. She was Elf #1 every Christmas. She was my daughter. My reason. My heart.
Please join me in honoring her by supporting Speak Up. Let’s make sure no child ever feels too ashamed or too alone to ask for help.
With love,
Sara’s Mom 💜
