City: Lilburn

Brain Injury: I had a breakup with a long-time girlfriend.  It was before graduation.  I attempted suicide by hanging but survived.  I now live with an Anoxic Brain Injury. 

Explanation of Mask: “I wish I hadn’t ever done this. I want to tell everyone not to do this.”  I painted my mask black because I was very, very depressed.  The words Hurt and Death painted in white under each eye represent what I felt and what I wanted to happen.  I put a red heart over the mouth with a lightning bolt in the middle because my heart hurt and broke.

I want to help others not do what I did.  Talk to people and get help.  Therapy works.  Faith and prayer are important, too.  I have started a nonprofit called Chase Life, Inc. to offer education, intervention, and support to people struggling with depression.