Our Founders

On July 16, 2022, my world was turned upside down. It was the worst night of my live that I relive everyday.  My love of my life, Derek passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. Derek was the heart and soul of our family. He loved to make someone smile and laugh. Always telling me, you never know what that person is going through in life, that's the least he could do was to make them smile. As most know, Derek was a radio personality on a local radio station, listeners from all over came to his funeral or reached out to me to tell me their story, how Derek impacted their lives and made it better. One in particular told me that her son stated he wanted to commit suicide. She was upset and the first person she thought to call was Derek while on the radio because she felt comfortable with him to discuss it. He stayed on the phone with her until she was safe and was with her son and others to get help. 

Derek had the biggest heart and wanted to do good for anyone. After his death, not only have I kept our business going, I wanted to do something in honor of Derek. Not only did I witness everything that night not leaving his side, I still to this day ask questions about that night. Did I make the right decisions? Could I have saved him going to a different hospital?  Did I miss signs that day something was wrong? I should have went to doctor appointments with him prior. Why me? Why him? With trying to go forward with my life and our daughters, I am still trying to recover from losing the one that I was to spend the rest of my life with along with his daughter, Emma and my daughter,  Madison. Being a founder of D-Smilez, I will be able to keep his legacy going by helping individuals and/or families that have suffered from tragic or sudden death. Give them that smile, hug, or comfort that they need. 

 Being a founding partner in D-Smilez means the world to me, as it aligns with my deep-seated values and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on families struck by sudden tragedy or loss from suicide. This venture is not just about philanthropy; it's a personal commitment to providing a friendly face in the midst of darkness. I understand the profound impact a warm, supportive presence can have during times of grief. D-Smilez isn't just a non-profit; it's a beacon of empathy and compassion, offering solace and understanding to those navigating through their darkest moments. By laying the foundation of D-Smilez, I aim to create a community where shared strength and solidarity prevail, where a friendly face becomes a symbol of hope and a reminder that, even in the face of loss, we are not alone. 

I had never really given much thought as to how I may feel about a loved one taking their own life, until it happened to me.  My father was in the Marine Corps and a Vietnam veteran. He selflessly defended our country, and made many sacrifices to do it.  The men and women that serve our country, return home changed people. They witness and go through so much. They often cannot get replays of horrific events out of their minds. My mom used to have to wake my dad up with a broom because he would wake up in a panic, swinging like he was in a battle for his life. Many veterans come home and don’t get the psychiatric help they so desperately need. Not everyone comes home with PTSD, but no one returns home unchanged.  I often wonder if what my dad endured in war contributed to his decision to ultimately take his own life. 

On April 5, 2005, my father, at the age of fifty-two, took his own life in the garage of my childhood home. That day and all of the events surrounding it are forever burned into my memory,  and are always in my thoughts. I cannot begin to describe the feeling that rushed over me that day. It was like , I too, had just died. You will never really know what your feelings are, or how you may be affected by the loss of a loved one to suicide, until you experience it and live through that loss. My whole outlook on life changed that day, as well as myself. It has been nearly 19 years since my dad passed away, but not a day has gone by that I have not endured the heartache of my reality.