Dear Friends,
Through the efforts and the friendships we have made at the Foundation we are so grateful to for the continued open conversation around mental health. Last week at an event our friends from Palm Health Foundation hosted, we celebrated the opening of the first permanent brain exhibit at the West Palm Beach Science Museum. The excitement and hope for the progress we are making came to an abrupt halt when we learned that Dr. Jeremy Richman, who spoke at the event, took his life. He, as so many, are truly suffering in silence and this is tragic. We can only hope and pray that through this unfortunate loss, after the shock has abated, we can continue to work towards our mission. Please see the thoughtful, impactful letter that was sent out from our partners at Palm Health Foundation. Thank you for helping us to be a support system and finding solutions to this heartbreaking disease.
Our Palm Health Foundation trustees and staff are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the death of Dr. Jeremy Richman who spoke at an event we hosted last week. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, colleagues and all whose lives he touched.
Following the murder of his six-year-old daughter, Avielle, in the Sandy Hook Elementary School murders, Dr. Richman dedicated his life to preventing violence and building compassion through brain health research, community engagement and education. Our lasting memory is how he inspired so many of our supporters and community members to join with him in solidarity to reduce the stigma, open up the conversation and help individuals get the help that is needed for diseases of the brain. He challenged our attendees to support important brain health research through open dialogue, increased education and charitable funding.
Dr. Richman, your efforts were not in vain. Palm Health Foundation is unwavering in its commitment to work with our partners to drag brain health out of the dark ages and into the 21st century. We envision a future where individuals who need help for brain diseases are able to get the care they so desperately need.
If you or someone around you is experiencing trauma or hopelessness, ask for help. If you are thinking about suicide, dial 2-1-1 or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. If you would like non-emergency resources for local and national brain/mental health resources, please go
to:https://www.trainthebrainpbc.org/resources/ orhttps://merrellfamilyfoundation.org/mental-health-resources/
With much hope,
The Merrell Family and Board