My son Robbie died by suicide when he was 15 years old. 15 years, eight months and 22 days old. No parent should know that detail about their child.
He was a leader. He was a compassionate kid who did things like take care of his grandmother while she recovered from surgery and coach young kids on swimming and golf during the summer. He had a lot of friends.
We had no idea he was struggling, and my heart breaks when I think of the pain he was in. Now, my husband and I are doing everything in our power to make sure his death does not go in vain.
Many teens today are facing mental health issues, and people just aren’t talking about it. We started Robbie’s Hope Foundation to help remove the stigma surrounding teen mental health and provide tools and resources to youth in need.
Mental health issues are treatable and suicide is preventable. Colorado is in a state of crisis right now, but with the right resources and right legislation, we can change that.
Kari Eckert, Golden, CO