November Newsletter
Hi everyone,
Gratitude is a powerful form of mindfulness.
Using this space to talk about gratitude can be difficult given the context, yet we’re choosing to explore the theme and what it means to this community and our efforts on behalf of Jackson.
We are grateful for advocacy and lending our hearts and voices to causes and organizations that need it.
We’re grateful for the community that has loved us well and helped us rally and remember and move forward with purpose.
And, we’re eternally grateful for the spark and fierce, bright light that Jackson was and continues to be for us always.
This has always been for and about him.
In gratitude,
Reyne & Scott Roeder
With Veterans Day having just been observed on November 11th, it’s important we continue the conversation around support for military men and women and the associated rates of suicide. The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) released its 2020 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report stating a daily average rate of 17.6 veteran suicides per day.
To read the full report, visit the VA website.
For organizations and causes like the Jackson Roeder Memorial Fund, relying on the generous donations and support we’re fortunate enough to receive, statewide efforts like Give to the Max Day help missions like ours even further. If you’re planning to make an impact through charitable giving on Thursday 11/19 and you’re interested in suicide prevention and mental health support, visit the Give to the Max website and search for organizations by association and cause.
In 2013, BriAnna Rose Kruzel died unexpectedly due to unknown causes. She was 18 years old. Left to grieve and grapple with her loss were her parents, Randy and Tami Kruzel of Sartell, MN. Together they formed What Would Bri Do to build a space for the community to grieve and to honor their daughter’s legacy of compassion and generosity.
Each year, What Would Bri Do hosts a number of community events throughout Central Minnesota in efforts to unite grieving families, remember loved ones, and share resources. October brought Rays of Hope 5K walk where we honored Jackson’s life and memory.
Our thank you to Randy and Tami and all the sponsors of the event for giving us a beautiful way to share our missed loved ones in our community. To donate to What Would Bri Do, learn more.
Marco has a strong commitment to mental health and suicide awareness. Each year, the company hosts its #YouMatter campaign on Facebook to raise awareness and funds involving employees and the community alike. This year, the campaign generated $5,000 which Marco has generously donated to the Jackson Roeder Memorial Fund.
This is important work and with each initiative like the #YouMatter campaign, we increase awareness and decrease the stigma.
Resources & Can't-Miss:
Healing from Suicide Loss: Survivors of Suicide Loss Day
Blog from CentraCare’s Lisa Bershok, Suicide Prevention Program Manager. Read for more info on a virtual Survivor’s Day event & registration.
Psychological Hardiness—Stress & Anxiety in the Workplace
Podcast from Marco discussing mental health in the workplace admist the chaos of 2020 and how best to lead the topic at work.
Learn the Warning Signs of Suicide
Video featuring Scott on enhancing mental health awareness and how to respond to individuals at risk.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255 or text “MN” to 741-741