We invite you on a heartfelt journey as we remember our friend, Heather Vennewald, whose bright life was cut tragically short by suicide. As we navigate the painful reality of her absence, former roommate and close companion, Jill Collado, joins us in paying tribute to Heather's vibrant spirit and contagious love for life. As we repaint the picture of Heather, the prank-loving friend, we also highlight the importance of recognizing potential signals of mental despair and the significance of having open conversations about mental health.

Prepare to step into our world as we revisit when we first learned of Heather's suicide.  Struck by grief and trauma, we recount our experiences and the lessons learned through the healing process. Together, Jill and I shed light on how Heather's sudden departure has reshaped our perspectives, encouraging us to extend more understanding and compassion to those battling mental health struggles.

In the final segment, we honor Heather's joy-filled life and the priceless moments we shared. From humorous stories to the creation of the Heather Fund at the University of Rhode Island, we explore various ways her memory continues to inspire and impact lives. Jill shares her emotional journey post-college and the invaluable role of her friends and family during these challenging times. We encourage everyone to tune in, as we not only commemorate Heather but also underscore the critical importance of mental health discussions.

Are you or someone you know in crisis?
     Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org

https://web.uri.edu/counseling/heatherfund/

https://www.raceentry.com/uri-be-5k/race-information

https://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/suicide-prevention-month

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