In 2018, our 16-year-old son, Brady, tragically lost his life to suicide. Like many others, his story highlights the urgent need for open discussions about mental health.
 

We were heartbroken and devastated. We were left with so many unanswered questions: Why did this happen? There were no signs at all.

Following Brady's death, we realized that it was crucial to raise awareness about suicide & mental health.

We were aware of the stigma surrounding mental health, and we were uncertain if anyone would join our cause. However, the overwhelming support from the community demonstrated that every contribution matters in our mission to spread awareness.

Many people are facing deep emotional pain. We need safe places where they can talk openly about depression and mental illness. These conversations are essential for creating understanding and support in our communities. It's time to encourage those who suffer to share their experiences and seek the help they need.

We are hoping to help get those conversations started.
 

At You Matter, we are committed to fostering open discussions about challenging topics. We understand the struggles parents face when talking to their children about suicide. We welcome the curiosity of younger ones asking, “What does You Matter mean?” and empathize with the older generation who may feel hesitant to discuss depression. Together, we can make these crucial conversations easier and more approachable, empowering everyone to share their feelings and connect.

We are truly grateful for every generous donation we receive, as each one helps us spread awareness, a crucial part of our mission. With items like signs, wristbands, apparel, care packages, and the heartfelt time we dedicate, we strive to make a real difference in the lives of those struggling. Together, we believe in the power of compassion and support, and we look forward to continuing this important journey to uplift those in need.

Your kindness truly makes a difference!

Although we do not understand why this happened, we trust our Lord. The world is broken and hurting, yet together, we can spread hope to those in need. Together, let's share the message that "It's Not Weak To Speak—You Matter."

xx Brooke & Rod Dudgeon
You Matter, Inc. | Founders
State of Ohio / 501(c)(3)

Grief doesn’t just break your heart, it reshapes your identity.,  Who you were before the loss no longer fits. This is called identity reconstruction, one of the most overlooked aspects of grief. 
You are not “going back to normal.”  You’re learning to live as someone new.