I am organizing this kayak event because suicide is not just a statistic to me—it is personal. I lost my daughter Kaylee to suicide on October 22, 2025, and her loss has forever changed my life. The pain of losing someone you love is something that never fully goes away, but I want to honor her memory by helping raise awareness and encouraging conversations about mental health and suicide prevention.

Kayaking has always been a place where I find peace, reflection, and healing. Through this event, I hope to bring people together on the water to remember those we have lost, support those who are struggling, and remind everyone that they are not alone.

This paddle is dedicated to Kaylee and to all those whose lives have been affected by suicide. My hope is that by sharing my story and creating this event, we can help break the stigma surrounding mental health, encourage people to seek help when they need it, and inspire others to check in on the people they care about.

Every paddle stroke is in remembrance of Kaylee, in support of those who continue to fight their battles, and in hope that we can prevent other families from experiencing this kind of loss.

Thank you for joining me in honoring Kaylee's memory and helping spread the message that every life matters, every conversation matters, and help is available.