We Need Support - Teenage Suicide
This is for Cayden.
I wasn't sure what to say, even when starting this post. I have spent some time on Reddit the last few years but never really asked for much except to be involved in previously started conversations on hobby-related topics. Today is a little bit different.
My best friend's daughter died due to suicide this past Sunday; Cayden was only 15 years old and struggled with mental illness for quite some time. Cayden, born initially a biological male, expressed her desire to transition a few years ago to her parents. Her mother was pretty understanding right away. Her father, my best friend, wanted to be supportive but initially was apprehensive about allowing this to move forward. He contacted several people and had long conversations about what we felt was best for Cayden. Ultimately, her father came around and began supporting her wishes. I would lie if I said it was easy for him or his family, but everyone got behind Cayden and gave her the support she needed.
Cayden struggled with being accepted by her peers. Many of her classmates became friends and accepted her for who she was. She only wished to live a normal life and never drew attention to herself. Cayden was funny, loving, and caring and would help anyone she could. She had big aspirations, and even through her struggles, she begged her parents not to make a big deal of them.
I'm reaching out for a couple of reasons. First, we have set up a fundraiser to help with their costs as they go through this difficult time. If you'd like to help, send me a message and I can provide the link to the Central Indiana Police Foundation where the fund is setup.. Secondly, I'm looking for help to help create a t-shirt design to be used during this year's PRIDE parade. Her father and I are both members of a police department locally and the department participates in each year's parade annual pretty heavily. Cayden will be used as a sponsor for this year's parade to help raise awareness with suicide prevention, especially amongst those struggling who feel singled out and alone in the LGBTQ+ community. I would surely appreciate it if you can help me with the T-shirt design. Third, if anyone knows a good civil rights lawyer who is friendly to this community, that would also be helpful too.
Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this.
Fair warning: I know some folks are not supportive of law enforcement and I completely understand if that's the way you feel. Cayden was the daughter of a police officer and the organization hosting the fundraiser is with the Central Indiana Police Foundation.
UPDATE:
Here is the obituary: https://www.flannerbuchanan.com/obituaries/cayden-mooney