Laurie and Lee Maxwell lost their beloved 18-year-old son Dan to suicide when his inner pain became too great for him to bear.  Dan had been plagued with mental and emotional pain for eighteen months, without relief, before he took his life. He tried to get better in every way possible.

For 18 months preceding Dan’s passing, he and his family saw physicians, psychiatrists, and psychologists; tried medications and dietary changes; and conducted tireless research. One thing the Maxwells were not able to do is to speak out. It was too difficult to confide in friends and relatives about what was happening inside their family.

Though their hearts will forever be broken, the Maxwells vowed to turn their and Dan’s tragic journey toward helping countless other families and particularly young people who suffer in silence. Dan’s gift to us all will be to inspire communities to support and embrace those in need so that no one will have to bear such pain, confusion and uncertainty in isolation again.