Charlie was 20 years old when he died by suicide. He was junior at the University of New Hampshire, a fraternity brother in SAE, a State Champion golf player, and the kind of friend everyone wanted at their side. Charlie had a gift for bringing people together and filling a room with energy, joy and great music. He was the friend that stayed after the music stopped, a natural listener who made people feel heard and listened to. He was the one that always made sure everyone else was okay.

What those who loved Charlie couldn’t see was the silent struggle he carried with him beneath his smile. The night before he died, he socialized with friends, attended a tailgate and had fun. His ability to mask his pain was extraordinary - a reminder that the most connected, fun-loving and happy person in a room can be suffering in ways some of us never see.

A month before he died, Charlie searched for psychiatric care. He couldn't find it. Not because he lacked people who cared — he had a family and friends who loved him. But he couldn't talk about what he was feeling. He didn't know how to reach out. And when he searched for help, the system had nothing for him in that moment of need.

Charlie left behind his parents and older sister Molly who loved him so deeply and miss him every single day. We still don’t have adequate words to describe the pain of losing him, but then we can’t help but think of the pain Charlie must have felt to take his own life. As a family we would have done anything possible to ease his pain, had we only known what we was going through.

We created Charlie Care so that no one has to suffer silently. We want to be the resource that everyone feels comfortable going to, and feels better for it. Charlie Care is being built for everyone.

More than anything we want those who are suffering, and carrying pain like Charlie did, to receive the help they need, before, during and after their crisis.

Everyone deserves the chance Charlie didn’t get - to be heard, to be helped, and to know they are not alone.

Love,

Molly, John, and Mairead