Today is Mother’s Day. It was Mother’s Day, 8 years ago, that our family last saw Chris, as he took his life the next day. Those of us that have never experienced the pain of Depression will never understand how “the man who had everything” could possibly believe he was better off dead than alive. No doubt Chris’s choice of timing revolved around wanting to celebrate Mother’s Day one last time with his mom, who he loved very much.
Chris’s passing was a tragedy that our family will never be able to erase from our minds. From this tragedy, the Chris Rule Foundation was formed to try and help others who were struggling with Depression. Ironically, for many of us, it is the loss of a loved one that provides the motivation to try to make a difference in other people’s lives. While it is impossible to make a positive out of such a devastating negative, it is possible to not let Chris’s spirit of giving die with him.
Thanks to the support and generosity given by so many of Chris’s and the Rule family’s friends, the Chris Rule Foundation has raised $1.1M since inception in 2012. Our primary fund raiser, the “Fiasco” golf tournament has been postponed until 2021 due to Covid-19. This means that the CU Johnson Depression Center, University of Michigan, and Stanford University will not be receiving our help this year. But, we will be back.
Studies show that 50% of all extended American families will have at least one family member impacted by the crippling disease called Depression. The mission of the Chris Rule Foundation is twofold. 1) We want to get professional care, as quickly as possible, to those who are in need in our community. The CU Depression Center team has done a magnificent job in responding to those who have reached out to us. 2) Mental health professionals continue to work tirelessly to provide the best care possible. However, there are numerous research projects underway seeking to find breakthroughs in the treatment of Depression. Two of the more promising research projects are at Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Program at the University of Michigan Depression Center and at Karl Deisseroth Lab at Stanford University Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Your gifts are making a difference!
Stay safe! If you know of anyone suffering from this debilitating disease, please get in touch.
Sincerely,
