Heartbreaking Trauma For Minnesota Family Now a Light for Others

2020 was a year that was a blur for most of us.  I remember being home, for what seemed like forever, doing a show for a Minnesota radio station while sitting in my closet.  My kids had distance learning for what seemed like an eternity and the hunt for a roll of toilet paper was our greatest accomplishment for the week.

We all have our memories from that year but for one Minnesota family, 2020 was one of heartbreak.

July 27th, 2020

Every day, 20 young people die by suicide in the United States.  Sadly, on that hot July day in 2020, Aidan Hegge, a 17-year-old at Kasson-Mantorville school in Minnesota, died by suicide.

"...the aftermath of suicide is uncomprehensible. Please love on your family and friends. Seek help for those struggling and seek help if you are the one struggling. Suicide is never the answer." - Jennifer Hegge, Aidan's Light in Loving Memory of Aidan Hegge Facebook Group

Smiling.  Always helping others.  Being a light to someone who was hurting.  A friend. 

All of those words above and so many other adjectives of love and support were used when I asked individuals to tell me about Aidan.

Aidan was a light in this world for so many.  He still is today thanks to a nonprofit that was formed to help prevent youth suicide - Aidan's Light.

Aidan’s Light is a non-profit that will advocate to help stop youth suicide through charitable giving to both national and local charities, focusing on the prevention of youth suicide and treatment of mental health problems. We also look to provide local schools the needed resources to bring awareness to youth mental health and prevent youth suicide.

FORE! Show Your Support to Aidan's Light and Register for the 4th Annual Golf Tournament

If you would love to help keep Aidan's Light shining bright, it is time to grab some clubs and hit a few balls at the 4th Annual Aidan Hegge Memorial Golf Tournament.  (Psst...if you aren't a golfer, you are welcome to come to the event too!  I've been told that you won't be the only one NOT swinging a club.)

Everything You Need To Know About the 4th Annual Aidan Hegge Memorial Golf Tournament in Minnesota

• DATE: June 22nd, 2024
• TIME:
  • 10:00 am - registration starts
  • 10:55 am - Aquavit Toast
  • 11:00 am - Tee Off
  • 4 pm to 7 pm - Live music from Bryan Akervik
• WHERE: Dodge Country Club, Dodge Center, Minnesota
• REGISTRATION: Price per team is $320 and includes box lunch and pulled pork meal, live music from Bryan Akervik, on-course contests, and additional raffles.  Learn more and register at the Aidan's Light website here.
• NOT A GOLFER?  Everyone is welcome to attend!  You can purchase a pulled pork basket for $15, enjoy the silent auction, raffles, and live music.
• HOLE SPONSORS STILL NEEDED: - learn more here.
• LEARN MORE:
  • Learn more and share the event on Facebook.
  • Learn more about Aidan's Light

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website. Resource information is provided for free as well as a chat message service. To speak directly to a professional, call 988. You are not alone and help is available. Every life is important.

Do you know an event or organization that helps others in our community?

Townsquare Media cares about our community!  If you know another event happening in our area or a nonprofit that helps others, please let me know!  I'd love to help spread the word and learn more.  E-mail me at jessica.williams@townsquaremedia.com or send me a note on my Facebook page - Jessica On The Radio.

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