Carson's Cause...

...supports efforts that improve brain health conversations to save loved ones from suicide.
​THE MISSION:
The mission of Carson’s Cause is to partner with schools and community groups to: 
  • recognize early symptoms of struggling brain health,
  • normalize discussion about it, and
  • simplify access to care.
While the fund exists to support all such efforts, those involving youth are prioritized, because kids are tomorrow’s leaders, and they’ll be best equipped to make a difference having grown up with proper dialogue.
 
THE MOTIVATION
Carson Ehde died by suicide at age 21 on Sept. 13, 2022, after he briefly struggled with his brain health and was unable to see a path forward. He had expressed shame in his lack of motivation and frustration with poor access to effective treatment. 

Following his death, Carson’s family and friends channeled resources and energy into preventing the same outcome in others. Specifically, they targeted stigma. “We dream of a day when caring for our brains is no different than treating allergies, injuries or any other physical condition,” they shared.

​“Kids in second grade learn about the importance of brushing their teeth. We hope a new generation of kids grows up recognizing common brain ailments, knowing how to talk about them and having access to straightforward treatment. Above all, we want brains to be cared for without obstacles worsened by shame or stigma. Had Carson and other suicide victims of his era been equipped in this way, we wonder if their outcomes could have been different.”
 
THE HOPE:
Carson’s Cause hopes to build a future where the following is true:
            •Brain health is discussed in plain language — not in whispers.
            *Brain health is treated as a part of overall physical health.
            •Brain health care is as easy to access as dental, cardiac or any other health care.
 
MEASURING SUCCESS: 
Carson’s Cause works with school counselors to normalize brain health discussion in elementary classrooms where children’s books illustrate brain health struggles and solutions. Discussion follows about healthy behaviors (nutrition, exercise, sleep, etc.) and how to know if they — or someone they know — might be struggling. Students get to keep their books and are encouraged to read them at home with their families.
 
Carson’s Cause reaches hundreds of students annually in several southwest Minnesota school districts and is in the process of expanding to classrooms throughout the region.
 
We won’t know how many lives we save, but we hear from families touched by our message. “My second-grade daughter brought home her book, and after we read it, our older son told us he was struggling. Thank you for opening the door to important conversations.”