Note from the Founder of Impactful Fund: Sad News To Report 💔

A week ago our hearts broke and our family as we know it changed forever 💔 The sudden and tragic loss of our son Jesse to suicide painfully underscored that while mental health education is essential, it is the ability to implement these tools in daily life that truly saves lives. It’s surreal that, despite our deep connection to mental health education, we missed this in our own family. With broken hearts, we are more determined than ever to break the stigma and ensure that mental health education and support are not only accessible but actionable for all and adding a particular emphasis on men’s and boy’s mental health which is severely under addressed. 

Mental health has become our life’s work, and this loss is now part of our story. I hope that by sharing, we can help others.

I got into this work years ago after losing my childhood friend and former executive director of our foundation, Tina to suicide. Since then, my focus has always been to help educators, youth and families — making films, creating resources for schools, companies, and communities to foster resilience and well-being. But Jesse’s passing has shown me that even with all the knowledge and tools in the world, none of us are immune.

I also realize knowing what I know now we would have parented our boys differently if I had truly understood how unique their struggles are instead of chalking it off to stoicism or moodiness. Moving forward, I am dedicating myself to adding men and boys’ mental health programming to the Creative Coping Toolkit. There’s so much stigma, silence and unrealistic societal expectations around their pain and we need to change that.

Vulnerability should be a super power not a sign of weakness.

For Jesse

You were our second of six, with charm and grace,

A sweet-talking boy with a handsome face.

So bright and kind but lost your way,

Finding mischief as if it came to stay.

We tried to guide you with all we knew—

Change schools, a sport, or something new.

But nothing reached the hurt inside,

Where you struggled, and where you cried.

We did our best, though now we see,

What you really needed was to be free—

To share your pain, to let it out,

Without judgment, fear, or doubt.

You always meant well, even when things went wrong,

Your heart was good, and you stayed strong.

We wish you peace, we wish you rest,

Knowing now you did your best.

Though you’re gone, you’re never far,

You’re now the wind, the rain and stars.

Forever loved, forever near,

In every sunset, you’re still here.

With us forever… 💔❤️

Rest in peace my love. You always were and will forever be loved. ❤️🤍 1990-2024

With a heavy heart and gratitude,
Scilla Andreen

Founder Impactful Fund

There are tools and resources in our world class knowledge base that we look forward to sharing with you. To learn more about GiGi & the Creative Coping Toolkit a film and evidence based mental health literacy program, Click HERE - 20 mins might change your life.

You can also donate to support our mandate to add more men's and boy's mental health programming into the Creative Coping Toolkit.