Jayden's Memorial Birthday Drive

My son Jayden took his life in the early hours of October 17th of 2016, months later now we are left with many questions trying to piece together what happened. My family and I now find ourselves with a desire to help other children, like Jayden, get the support they need in hopes of influencing even just one child to choose life. Jayden would be turning 14 on June 6th this year, and in his memory, we have decided to create and host the 1st Annual Jayden Memorial Charity Drive in his honor. We hope we can come together as friends and family to give with a generous spirit (any amount is tremendously appreciated) to three incredibly honorable and passionate non-profit organizations; The American Association of Suicidology, The Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, and The Feingold Association of the United States. These organizations are taking the steps needed to help prevent suicide through different avenues of pursuit, while also providing invaluable resources to their target populations.

To read more about these charities, you can visit them at the following links:

The American Association of Suicidology (AAS/ NCPYS):
http://www.suicidology.org/about-aas/mission

http://www.suicidology.org/ncpys

            The AAS’s Mission Statement is “To promote the understanding and prevention of suicide and support those who have been affected by it.” We share their passion in expanding knowledge and upstanding around suicide and the progression that leads up to it while supporting the survivors that remain when attempts are successful. The specific branch of this organization that we will be donating to is their National Center for the Prevention of Youth Suicide.

The Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence:
http://smartgunlaws.org/gun-laws/policy-areas/consumer-child-safety/child-access-prevention/

            The organization was chosen due to their crusade in pursuing more stringent Child Access Prevention (CAP) gun laws. I implore those who are gun owners to treat that privilege responsibly always, but in particular when there are children in the home and always secure them safely. This organization’s mission is in part “to protect everyone’s Second Amendment rights AND enact smart laws that will reduce death and injury from firearms” (http://smartgunlaws.org/about/mission/ ).

The Feingold Association of the United States:
http://feingold.org/about-the-program/who-we-are/

            This organization encourages the use of dietary changes to improve and alleviate behavioral issues in kids. I feel conventional approaches to treating issues, like ADHD, only add to the struggle and that there are other ways to help these children thrive that don’t carry the burden of fatal side effects.

We want to thank each and every one of you for being such a vital part of our lives during this challenging time; we are so blessed and humbled by the outpour of support. Thank you for helping us in keeping Jayden’s memory alive by helping others like him.

*All the donations will be divided equally between the three charities unless otherwise specified. If you wish to have your donation go to a particular charity, please specify which one in the comments box.