He was an honor student, athlete, and musician. He was bright, opinionated, and affectionate. In the early morning hours of November 20, 2016 our world came to an abrupt halt. Jason ended his life. He was struggling; he asked for help, but it wasn’t enough. The JRFM has been created by his family and friends to help spread the word that you are not alone, there is help, and there is always someone
to talk to. Our priority is to provide kids, teens, and parents the resources and guidance to discuss the warning signs and how to prevent su***de. To provide a safe place to come together, share, and find comfort; to be themselves and learn how to cope with an ever changing and uncertain world. We have met many people with the same goals. It is with their help that we spread the word in the hopes of ending the stigma and starting the conversation about mental health and to end su***de. With our Pizzastock music events, we have raised funds which have been donated to various local groups dedicated to helping those in need. These include the Sonshine Soup Kitchen, The Upper Room, The Boys and Girls Club and End 68 Hours of Hunger. We like to say Healing through Music, Connecting with Community. In addition to partnering with the Connor’s Climb Foundation to provide resources and education to the Greater Derry School district we hope to continue this funding into the future to extend to Chester, Auburn, and Hampstead as well. As our foundation grows we have organized a Parent to Parent Peer group which allows parents and caregivers to come together to discuss difficult challenges facing today’s youth. We are also in the process of constructing an informal children’s discussion group touching on various topics of mental health and may include subject matter such as bullying, peer pressure, su***de signs and prevention.
