Support Mental Health Services in Honor of Brandon Gray

On July 3, 2024, Brandon Gray, my husband, and a much-loved and well-respected Emergency Department nurse and paramedic, lost his life to suicide. It was a day that forever changed my life and the life of our now six-year-old son, Wyatt. The reality that Brandon will never see his son grow up, and Wyatt will likely have very few memories of his dad, is overwhelmingly painful. Sadly, there are so many others who have endured a similar loss through suicide.

As I, along with his family and friends, move through the grief process, I’ve come to learn more about the prevalence of suicide and the importance of mental health services for first responders. Brandon had a 17-year career in emergency services and received several awards and recognitions for his work. After his death, I was introduced to Inner Circle Mental Health in Norman, OK—an organization providing mental health services to first responders and their families. In sharing Brandon’s story with Inner Circle and learning more about their approach to supporting first responders, I am eager to announce my support of their upcoming fundraising event, Challenge: Accepted, on June 28, 2025. Part of this event will involve a 5k run, where I plan to honor and commemorate Brandon for the man he truly was—a loving father, husband and son; compassionate caregiver; devoted friend; and more. One of Brandon’s favorite pastimes was running—from trail runs to half marathons, he enjoyed every type of running and exercising.

Losing him is a trauma that I don’t want any other family to experience. To offer hope to others and because Brandon impacted so many people as a paramedic and emergency nurse, I have set a goal to raise $10,000 to help support Inner Circle’s fundraising efforts and mental health services. Inner Circle offers sponsorship opportunities where they provide financial assistance to those in need—and it’s not limited to first responders—assistance is available to other fields of service such as hospital staff, dispatch operators, active military personnel, and veterans.

As suicide remains a leading cause of death in the United States, I believe consistent counseling and therapy are life-saving services. The trauma of suicide doesn’t end with the loved one lost, but continues on in the lives of those left behind.

If you’re able, I would be so grateful for you to join me in support of my goal. If a monetary donation isn’t something you’re able to give right now, there are several other ways you can provide support:

> Share this campaign with others

> Attend Challenge: Accepted on June 28th (learn more at http://bit.ly/4i7Xvaq)

> And perhaps the most impactful– share Brandon’s story with others

With your help, we can share hope with those struggling and lend a hand to those in need—just like Brandon did when he was here.

With love and gratitude,

Liana Gray