At the end of my freshman year, my family and I were faced with unfathomable heartbreak. One of my older brothers, Patrick, died as a result of suicide when his mental illnesses took him from us. In the face of tragedy, my family and I knew we had to do something to make a difference. Our hearts were pulling us to do something to honor my brother and help those who struggle the same way he did. We created Paws for Patrick (P4P), a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting young people with Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) and Therapy Dogs to aid them as they live with mental illness. P4P has become my passion throughout high school and will continue to be until I meet my brother again. It has allowed me to honor my brother in a way he would be proud of: helping those who need it the most. An important part of P4P’s mission is the destigmatization of Mental Illness. One way we work towards this goal is with our Turn our Towns Green event which I chair. Preparing for its third year, the annual event has grown from a few local towns to now include college campuses and towns across the country. In my role as Junior Board Chair, Executive Board member, and Co-Founder, I have given interviews to NBC and WGN Chicago news, delivered a keynote speech at a conference for hundreds of behavioral health professionals, been featured on the cover of a magazine, been profiled in magazine and newspaper pieces, will deliver another keynote speech to 800+ mental health professionals in March as well as various presentations and appearances on podcasts in just the coming months. Paws for Patrick has already raised $600,000 in donations and has a volunteer base of 200+ people in several states, most of whom I manage. I do not know precisely what career I hope to embark on in the future, but I do know that it will be one in which I am continuously helping people. I hope to always be proud of what I am doing in knowing I am helping those around me. P4P fulfills my heart every day in knowing that I am living out my brother's spirit and making a difference in the world. As I move onto new places and discover who and what I want to be, I know that I will always continue to carry and spread P4P’s mission with me. In college and after, I plan to continuously strive in making a positive impact in the lives of others. I look forward to pursuing a degree that will allow me to further my commitment to changing the world of mental health. Paws for Patrick has not only positively impacted me and my grieving journey, but thousands of people in the world. I feel confident in knowing that P4P has and will continue to impact this world. By destigmatizing mental illness, assisting in the facilitation of Emotional Support Animals throughout the nation, and bringing the love of animals everywhere, Paws for Patrick will continue to save lives and remind people that it is okay not to be okay.

“Count. Count until you know it is okay.” I repeated in my head as my body was being suffocated by my own mind. Overwhelmed with a sickness of thoughts, I stood frozen like a deer in headlights. “1, 2, 3…breath…4, 5, 6…it has not been long enough yet…keep counting.” But I could not count long enough to regain a sense of security. The screams. The painful, earth-shattering screams of my mother are forever engraved in my ears. In an instant, my life exploded. I knew what happened. Patrick hung himself. My numb body fled to the front door hoping the fresh air would allow my lungs to breathe. My legs collapsed on themselves in my front yard. My eyes looked around at the world; the sun was shining bright on my skin, and the grass and air felt calm. The world appeared perfect, while mine was upside down. Four days later in a hospice center, I watched my big brother take his last breath and held his hand while lying beside him as he left this world. In the face of tragedy, my family and I knew we had to do something to make a difference. Our hearts were pulling us to do something to honor my brother and help those who struggle the same way he did. We created Paws for Patrick (P4P), a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting young people with Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) and Therapy Dogs to aid them as they live with mental illness. P4P has become my passion throughout high school and will continue to be until I meet my brother again. It has allowed me to honor my brother in a way he would be proud of: helping those who need it the most. An important part of P4P’s mission is the destigmatization of Mental Illness. One way we work towards this goal is with our Turn our Towns Green event which I chair. Preparing for its third year, the annual event has grown from a few local towns to now include college campuses and towns across the country. In my role as Junior Board Chair, Executive Board member, and Co-Founder, I have given interviews to NBC and WGN Chicago news, delivered a keynote speech at a conference for hundreds of behavioral health professionals, been featured on the cover of a magazine, been profiled in magazine and newspaper pieces, will deliver another keynote speech to 800+ mental health professionals in March as well as various presentations and appearances on podcasts in just the coming months. Paws for Patrick has already raised $600,000 in donations and has a volunteer base of 200+ people in several states, most of whom I manage. As I move onto new places and discover who and what I want to be, I know that I will always continue to carry and spread P4P’s mission with me. In college and after, I plan to continuously strive in making a positive impact in the lives of others. I look forward to pursuing a degree that will allow me to further my commitment to changing the world of mental health. Paws for Patrick has not only positively impacted me and my grieving journey, but thousands of people in the world. I feel confident in knowing that P4P has and will continue to impact this world. By destigmatizing mental illness, assisting in the facilitation of Emotional Support Animals throughout the nation, and bringing the love of animals everywhere, Paws for Patrick will continue to save lives and remind people that it is okay not to be okay.

“Count. Count until you know it is okay.” I repeated in my head as my body was being suffocated by my own mind. Overwhelmed with a sickness of thoughts, I stood frozen like a deer in headlights. “1, 2, 3…breath…4, 5, 6…it has not been long enough yet…keep counting.” But I could not count long enough to regain a sense of security. The screams. The painful, earth-shattering screams of my mother are forever engraved in my ears. In an instant, my life exploded. I knew what happened. Patrick hung himself. My numb body fled to the front door hoping the fresh air would allow my lungs to breathe. My legs collapsed on themselves in my front yard. My eyes looked around at the world; the sun was shining bright on my skin, and the grass and air felt calm. The world appeared perfect, while mine was upside down. Four days later in a hospice center, I watched my big brother take his last breath and held his hand while lying beside him as he left this world. In the face of tragedy, my family and I knew we had to do something to make a difference. Our hearts were pulling us to do something to honor my brother and help those who struggle the same way he did. We created Paws for Patrick (P4P), a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting young people with Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) and Therapy Dogs to aid them as they live with mental illness. P4P has become my passion throughout high school and will continue to be until I meet my brother again. It has allowed me to honor my brother in a way he would be proud of: helping those who need it the most. An important part of P4P’s mission is the destigmatization of Mental Illness. One way we work towards this goal is with our Turn our Towns Green event which I chair. Preparing for its third year, the annual event has grown from a few local towns to now include college campuses and towns across the country. In my role as Junior Board Chair, Executive Board member, and Co-Founder, I have given interviews to NBC and WGN Chicago news, delivered a keynote speech at a conference for hundreds of behavioral health professionals, been featured on the cover of a magazine, been profiled in magazine and newspaper pieces, will deliver another keynote speech to 800+ mental health professionals in March as well as various presentations and appearances on podcasts in just the coming months. Paws for Patrick has already raised $600,000 in donations and has a volunteer base of 200+ people in several states, most of whom I manage. As I move onto new places and discover who and what I want to be, I know that I will always continue to carry and spread P4P’s mission with me. In college and after, I plan to continuously strive in making a positive impact in the lives of others. I look forward to pursuing a degree that will allow me to further my commitment to changing the world of mental health. Paws for Patrick has not only positively impacted me and my grieving journey, but thousands of people in the world. I feel confident in knowing that P4P has and will continue to impact this world. By destigmatizing mental illness, assisting in the facilitation of Emotional Support Animals throughout the nation, and bringing the love of animals everywhere, Paws for Patrick will continue to save lives and remind people that it is okay not to be okay.

“Count. Count until you know it is okay.” I repeated in my head as my body was being suffocated by my own mind. Overwhelmed with a sickness of thoughts, I stood frozen like a deer in headlights. “1, 2, 3…breath…4, 5, 6…it has not been long enough yet…keep counting.” But I could not count long enough to regain a sense of security. The screams. The painful, earth-shattering screams of my mother are forever engraved in my ears. In an instant, my life exploded. I knew what happened. Patrick hung himself. My numb body fled to the front door hoping the fresh air would allow my lungs to breathe. My legs collapsed on themselves in my front yard. My eyes looked around at the world; the sun was shining bright on my skin, and the grass and air felt calm. The world appeared perfect, while mine was upside down. Four days later in a hospice center, I watched my big brother take his last breath and held his hand while lying beside him as he left this world. In the face of tragedy, my family and I knew we had to do something to make a difference. Our hearts were pulling us to do something to honor my brother and help those who struggle the same way he did. We created Paws for Patrick (P4P), a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting young people with Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) and Therapy Dogs to aid them as they live with mental illness. P4P has become my passion throughout high school and will continue to be until I meet my brother again. It has allowed me to honor my brother in a way he would be proud of: helping those who need it the most. An important part of P4P’s mission is the destigmatization of Mental Illness. One way we work towards this goal is with our Turn our Towns Green event which I chair. Preparing for its third year, the annual event has grown from a few local towns to now include college campuses and towns across the country. In my role as Junior Board Chair, Executive Board member, and Co-Founder, I have given interviews to NBC and WGN Chicago news, delivered a keynote speech at a conference for hundreds of behavioral health professionals, been featured on the cover of a magazine, been profiled in magazine and newspaper pieces, will deliver another keynote speech to 800+ mental health professionals in March as well as various presentations and appearances on podcasts in just the coming months. Paws for Patrick has already raised $600,000 in donations and has a volunteer base of 200+ people in several states, most of whom I manage. As I move onto new places and discover who and what I want to be, I know that I will always continue to carry and spread P4P’s mission with me. In college and after, I plan to continuously strive in making a positive impact in the lives of others. I look forward to pursuing a degree that will allow me to futher my commitment to changing the world of mental health. Paws for Patrick has not only positively impacted me and my grieving journey, but thousands of people in the world. I feel confident in knowing that P4P has and will continue to impact this world. By destigmatizing mental illness, assisting in the facilitation of Emotional Support Animals throughout the nation, and bringing the love of animals everywhere, Paws for Patrick will continue to save lives and remind people that it is okay not to be okay.

“Count. Count until you know it is okay.” I repeated in my head as my body was being suffocated by my own mind. Overwhelmed with a sickness of thoughts, I stood frozen like a deer in headlights. “1, 2, 3…breath…4, 5, 6…it has not been long enough yet…keep counting.” But I could not count long enough to regain a sense of security. The screams. The painful, earth-shattering screams of my mother are forever engraved in my ears. In an instant, my life exploded. I knew what happened. Patrick hung himself. My numb body fled to the front door hoping the fresh air would allow my lungs to breathe. My legs collapsed on themselves in my front yard. My eyes looked around at the world; the sun was shining bright on my skin, and the grass and air felt calm. The world appeared perfect, while mine was upside down. Four days later in a hospice center, I watched my big brother take his last breath and held his hand while lying beside him as he left this world. In the face of tragedy, my family and I knew we had to do something to make a difference. Our hearts were pulling us to do something to honor my brother and help those who struggle the same way he did. We created Paws for Patrick (P4P), a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting young people with Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) and Therapy Dogs to aid them as they live with mental illness. P4P has become my passion throughout high school and will continue to be until I meet my brother again. It has allowed me to honor my brother in a way he would be proud of: helping those who need it the most. An important part of P4P’s mission is the destigmatization of Mental Illness. One way we work towards this goal is with our Turn our Towns Green event which I chair. Preparing for its third year, the annual event has grown from a few local towns to now include college campuses and towns across the country. In my role as Junior Board Chair, Executive Board member, and Co-Founder, I have given interviews to NBC and WGN Chicago news, delivered a keynote speech at a conference for hundreds of behavioral health professionals, been featured on the cover of a magazine, been profiled in magazine and newspaper pieces, will deliver another keynote speech to 800+ mental health professionals in March as well as various presentations and appearances on podcasts in just the coming months. Paws for Patrick has already raised $600,000 in donations and has a volunteer base of 200+ people in several states, most of whom I manage. As I move onto new places and discover who and what I want to be, I know that I will always continue to carry and spread P4P’s mission with me. In college and after, I plan to continuously strive in making a positive impact in the lives of others. Paws for Patrick has not only positively impacted me and my grieving journey, but thousands of people in the world. I feel confident in knowing that P4P has and will continue to impact this world. By destigmatizing mental illness, assisting in the facilitation of Emotional Support Animals throughout the nation, and bringing the love of animals everywhere, Paws for Patrick will continue to save lives and remind people that it is okay not to be okay.

It is a very important skill to be able to see the rainbow in the storm. It does not mean that the rain has stopped pouring, but you can see and appreciate the beauty in it. My proudest and most valued quality is creating the rainbow in the midst of a downpour. At the end of my freshman year, my family and I were faced with unfathomable heartbreak. One of my older brothers, Patrick, died as a result of suicide when his mental illnesses took him from us. In the face of tragedy, my family and I knew we had to do something to make a difference. Our hearts were pulling us to do something to honor my brother and help those who struggle the same way he did. We created Paws for Patrick, a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting young people with Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) and Therapy Dogs to aid them as they live with mental illness. Paws for Patrick has become my passion throughout high school and will continue to be something I am passionate about until I meet my brother again. It has allowed me to honor my brother in a way he would be proud of helping those who need it the most. Since co-founding the organization in September of 2020, I have served as one of the organizations’ executive board members and the Junior Board Chair. Through my involvement and dedication to Paws for Patrick, I have had great opportunities to share my passion with others. In the first couple of years since starting the organization, we have already been able to help hundreds of individuals nationwide, and positively impacted the lives of thousands. Creating Paws for Patrick has gifted me with the ability to share my brother's story and to make a difference in the lives of others just like him. Not only has Paws for Patrick filled my heart with passion and reason, but it has taught me so much more. I have learned how to manage and lead 185 youth while being a full-time student with many other responsibilities. Through my role in this organization, I have developed skills in leadership, time management, and responsibility. Most importantly I have gained confidence in sharing my authentic self with others, and seen how authenticity positively impacts others. Through expressing my determination and passion for Paws for Patrick, I have discovered that so many others quietly share the same passion to help people who are suffering with mental illness. I want to encourage every one of them to join the effort because I have seen firsthand the critical impact an animal can make on the lives of those who are struggling. My ability to grow and create a positive change in the world during my most painful heartbreaks and challenges will always be my most powerful quality. I am able to grow a deeper gratitude and appreciation for this world and the people living in it, including myself. The ability to take a challenge and turn it into something beautiful is a very important skill to learn and have. Not only does this mean I am constantly growing as an individual through any challenge I encounter, but I am always valuing helping others. I believe that personal growth benefits the entire world. The more I grow as an individual, the more I better my relationships and my ability to better the world. I value leaving the world better than I entered it. Finding the rainbow in the storm helps everyone experience joy despite the rain.

“Count. Count until you know it is okay.” I repeated in my head as my body was being suffocated by my own mind. Overwhelmed with a sickness of thoughts, I stood frozen like a deer in headlights. “1, 2, 3…breath…4, 5, 6…it has not been long enough yet…keep counting.” But I could not count long enough to regain a sense of security. The screams. The painful, earth shattering screams of my mother are forever engraved in my ears. In an instant my life exploded. I knew what happened. Patrick hung himself. My numb body fled to the front door hoping the fresh air would allow my lungs to breathe. My legs collapsed on themselves in my front yard. My eyes looked around at the world; the sun was shining bright on my skin, and the grass and air felt calm. The world appeared perfect, while mine was upside down. Moments later my oldest brother, Ben, came out hollering my name, telling me my mom needed help. Though I was not ready to face the unfathomable truth inside, I took a deep breath and ran back. I found my mother standing over her son, her son whose lifeless body she just brought to the floor. I stood there above my other big brother–my built-in best friend–but all I could see was his body. He was not there. His color was yellow, his expression was gone. Nothing can prepare someone for the worst and this was it. I was not strong enough for this; I needed to be back outside. I needed the air. I stood in the lawn waiting for the ambulance. I heard the sirens. The realization began to take root in my paralyzed mind as police cars, ambulances and firetrucks came one after another. They kept coming until my entire street was filled with them. So many sirens. So many lights. I was not strong enough for this but I had no choice. Four days later in a hospice center I watched my big brother take his last breath and held his hand while lying beside him as he left this world. My world has been frozen since, while everyone and everything around me has kept going. I was forced to become an adult overnight in a silent world that felt alone. I did not lose just my brother that day; I lost every last piece of myself thinking I was responsible for saving my family and best friends. The world pushed me to my limits and left me off balance. Every single day was a battle: lying and smiling to others as I felt gone inside. The feeling of security became foreign to me. It took me years to learn that the only way to start healing was in my own self and in loving my own entirety and being. I was fighting a desperate battle to save the one relationship I would have forever, my relationship with myself. I left to live in the woods with many beautiful souls as a camp counselor. I ran to the air again thinking it would be the one thing to allow me to breathe, and it was. I fully immersed myself in finding life again and a love for it and myself. I fought for myself every day. I spent my days with kids, teaching them how to love themselves through unconditional acceptance. I found the balance of taking care of myself while taking care of others. I learned to prioritize my own peace before working for others and found value in validating myself. As I move on to college and everything the future has to offer, I feel confident knowing I have the strength to continue living a life rooted in compassion for this world and others, but also for myself. In the face of tragedy, I grew a deeper gratitude for myself, life, and all it had to offer. Not only did I heal the relationships within myself, but I followed my heart knowing I had to make a difference in the lives of those suffering the same way my brother did. So, with my family, I created Paws for Patrick, a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting young people nationwide with Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) and Therapy Dogs to aid them as they live with mental illness. Paws for Patrick has become my passion throughout high school and will continue to be something I am passionate about until I meet my brother again. It has allowed me to honor my brother in a way he would be proud of: helping those who need it the most. Through co-founding and chairing the Junior Board of this fastly growing organization, I am constantly reminded of what matters most to me: ensuring every individual in this world feels loved, including myself.

At the end of my freshman year, my family and I were faced with unfathomable heartbreak. One of my older brothers, Patrick, died as a result of suicide when his mental illnesses took him from us. In the face of tragedy, my family and I knew we had to do something to make a difference. Our hearts were pulling us to do something to honor my brother and help those who struggle the same way he did. We created Paws for Patrick, a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting young people with Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) and Therapy Dogs to aid them as they live with mental illness. Paws for Patrick has become my passion throughout high school and will continue to be something I am passionate about until I meet my brother again. It has allowed me to honor my brother in a way he would be proud of: helping those who need it the most. Since co-founding the organization in September of 2020, I have served as one of the organization’s executive board members and the Junior Board Chair. As the Junior Board Chair, I direct 16 Junior Board members in 6 committees and oversee a group of 185 youth volunteers. Through my involvement and dedication to Paws for Patrick, I have had great opportunities to share my passion with others. In August 2022, I was one of the three keynote speakers from Paws for Patrick at the Illinois Association for Behavioral Health Conference where we gave a 45-minute presentation about our mission, why it is so vital, our accomplishments to date, and how to get involved. I spread the same message when I presented to the National Charity League in March 2022. In October 2021 I was a panelist on the Break the Stigma panel where I focused on the part of our mission regarding raising awareness and breaking the stigma of mental illness. My mother and I have represented Paws for Patrick on Chicago‘s WGN and NBC news features which contributed to the fast growth of the organization's work; we have already helped people in 29 states. Along with live interviews and presentations, my work with Paws for Patrick has been the cover story in the Forest and Bluff magazine as well as a teen highlight story in Sheridan Road magazine. Creating Paws for Patrick has gifted me with the ability to share my brother's story and to make a difference in the lives of others just like him. Not only has Paws for Patrick filled my heart with passion and reason, but it has taught me so much more. I have learned how to manage and lead 185 youth while being a full-time student with many other responsibilities. Through my role in this organization, I have developed skills in leadership, time management and responsibility. Most importantly I have gained confidence in sharing my authentic self with others, and seen how authenticity positively impacts others. Through expressing my determination and passion for Paws for Patrick, I have discovered that so many others quietly share the same passion to help people who are suffering with mental illness. I want to encourage every one of them to join the effort because I have seen firsthand the critical impact an animal can make on the lives of those who are struggling. I look forward to carrying my passion with me everywhere I go in life and continuing to make a difference in the world of mental health as well as in the lives of those I meet.