My sister Chloe was my best friend. Growing up only 14 months apart from each other in age, we were always very close. I admired her fun-loving personality and her open-mindedness to trying new things. She was creative, funny, and had a massive heart; there was never a dull moment with Chloe. That being said, it was easy to forget about her struggle because she concealed it so well. Despite the beautiful and outgoing personality she wore on the outside, Chloe faced an intense battle with her mental health on the inside. This part of her she kept hidden, and as a result her mental illness took over her mind and my family and I lost her. Suddenly faced with intense grief that I never thought I would experience, I didn’t know where to turn. My journey was difficult but I am proud of the place I am in today and the progress I have made with my own mental health over the past 18 months. That being said, I could not have made it to where I am without Camp Kita. Although I only spent one week at Camp last summer, it changed me in the best way possible. I met other kids who have been through the same experience as I have, and learned helpful ways to cope with my grief. The overall mission of Camp Kita has inspired me, and I wanted to give back to them as best I could. That’s why I started this fundraiser, and I couldn’t be more excited!

Anyone who knew Connell loved him. He was a bright light in this world that I will never forget. Since we were 4 years apart, I never got the chance to be close enough to him, which I deeply regret. However, during the time I did spend with him, he never failed to make me laugh. He would always find a way to make any situation more enjoyable. His biggest passion was the beach and he spent any free time he had there, either being in the ocean or lifeguarding. Sadly, his big personality disguised the struggles he was really facing. He never showed any signs that he was hurting inside, so in July 2023, my family and I were all in shock at the tragedy that is suicide. Ever since then, I have been working through my grief the best that I can. One thing that has helped me is Camp Kita. My family and I attended their retreat this past summer, and even though it was just for a few days, it changed us for the better. I was able to connect with other kids who have also lost a family member to suicide, and we were able to cope together. Ever since I lost my older brother, I have been so passionate about mental health and suicide especially. This is why I decided to start this fundraiser with Lily. Kita does wonders for those who have experienced suicide, something very close to my heart, which is why I wanted to do something for them, to help them expand their resources. I am ecstatic to spread awareness for this organization, to help them as much as they have helped me. 

Though we both have faced great adversity through our losses, we look forward to raising money for a cause deeply personal to us, and giving back to an organization that has helped us overcome our struggle. 

With hope for whats to come, 

Finley and Lily