After Our Son’s Death, We Found Hope and Community Through AFSP

This past Giving Tuesday, in keeping with an important theme for AFSP this year, “Looking Out for Each Other,” we shared some words from one person — Mary Kerby — who has found hope and connection through AFSP following the loss of her son. Mary’s words made such an impact through our eblasts that we also wanted to give them a permanent spot here on our blog.

We lost our son Adam to suicide in 2021 at age 31. He was handsome, brilliant, funny, and challenging. He also struggled with anxiety and depression for more than 10 years. I am a primary care nurse practitioner and realize that suicide is just as much a matter of health as any physical health situation. As Adam’s mother, I advocated for him, asked the hard questions, cried, prayed, and sought the best care for him. Unfortunately, even with the support of a loving family, a girlfriend, career success, and access to health care, we still could not save him. However, lives can often be saved. We chose AFSP for Adam’s memorial fund because of their work in education and research. 

Through AFSP, our family has found community, hope, and a chance to focus our efforts for suicide prevention. In my clinic every day, I talk to patients about their mental health. I encourage those who have experienced loss, and I direct people to AFSP for its loss resources, the Out of the Darkness Walks, prevention education programs, advocacy efforts, scientific research examining how we can save more lives, and a chance to meet others through their local AFSP chapter. 

Our family needed hope, and a place to focus our energy after Adam died. We found that through AFSP. Since then, we have attended many Out of the Darkness Walks, International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day events, and an Advocacy Action Day at our state capital. Our loss remains incomprehensible, but we are now focused on remembering Adam by helping others through AFSP.

At the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, your gift makes possible our critical work, which deeply impacts people all across the country on a personal level. Thank you for your continued commitment to our mission.