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Posts Tagged ‘suicide prevention’

After coming through a very dark period, Korbin Korzan embraces each new day.

Korbin Korzan is one of the most physically gifted athletes I have written about during my time in Coupeville.

He was a standout high school football and baseball player and a key member of a Central Whidbey Little League hardball squad which won a state title in 2010.

Very outgoing, he always seemed to enjoy being in the spotlight, and shared those moments with family and friends.

But no one ever truly knows what another is going through, and today Korbin has agreed to let me share his story.

He does so in the hope that it will help others reach their own inner peace.

In Korbin’s own words:

 

I originally intended on waiting a decade to share my story.

Some recent events have happened that are pushing me to share it now.

I don’t know if there is anyone out there that can benefit from hearing this, but if it makes a difference for just one person then I will be happy.

So, seven years ago … my life looked a little different.

I just turned 21, had an amazing career at Bank of America, just opened my drone business, and was engaged to the love of my life (Whitney).

Sounds like an awesome life, right?

Looking at pictures (from then) you would probably think I was a pretty happy guy.

Well, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

I was severely depressed and mixing a cocktail of drugs and alcohol to try to numb my pain.

It took hitting rock bottom to fully accept that I was not okay.

And friends, it is OKAY to not be okay.

The biggest thing is accepting that and being willing to accept help.

That is so much easier said than done but I know you can do it.

I don’t want to go into details about what happened October 2017, but I do want to discuss what happened AFTER I decided to get help and get clean.

The first few months were riddled with anger and pain.

I dug myself into a massive crater and it was time to start making my way out. As time went on things began to improve.

I focused on bettering myself and surrounding myself with people who showed me love and support.

So, what has happened since October 2017? How much could YOUR life change in seven short years — just like mine did?

Since trying to take my own life, I have:

Married my soulmate.

Korbin and Whitney

Expanded my drone company to a full production company.

Traveled out of state 30+ times and gone on so many amazing adventures.

Made new friends.

Explored areas I didn’t even know existed.

Made over two million dollars.

Tried amazing new foods and played video games I once dreamed of as a child.

Drove awesome cars.

Started fun new hobbies.

Flown in planes, big and small.

Found my silver lining in life.

The list goes on and on. I have experienced so many new and amazing experiences.

I don’t say this to brag … I honestly never thought any of these things would ever happen to me.

So, whether your passion is family, love, adventure, or money, all of that can still be yours.

If my life can change that much, so can yours!

You might feel like you are in a dark place now but I promise you it can and it WILL get better.

Surround yourself with friends and family that love you. Accept that it is okay to not feel okay.

Talk to others and ask for help! I am always here if anyone needs to talk.

Suicide is a very real and scary thing in our world. Reach out to your friends and let them know you are there.

Even if you don’t think they are sad, sometimes the “happiest” people are truly the saddest.

It would be a lie if I said I didn’t still struggle to this day … but it is not as bad anymore and continues to get better every year.

I know the same thing can happen for you!

I promise you things can get better.

You are more than enough, and the world is such a better place with you in it.

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Brandon Graham

Tickets are on sale now for the Brandon Graham Foundation’s 2nd annual dinner and silent auction.

The event, “Their Fight is Our Fight,” is raising money to continue the fight to help those in need on Whidbey Island.

The foundation, named in honor of a 2007 Coupeville grad who was a vibrant part of his community, is set up to bring mental health awareness to youth.

This includes suicide prevention, anti-bullying, and health wellness programs.

The Brandon Graham Foundation has already an impact, bringing speakers and aid to the island’s schools.

The silent dinner and auction are set for Saturday, August 19 from 4-7 PM at the Oak Harbor Elks Lodge (155 NE Ernst Street).

Tickets are $70 and can be purchased by popping over to:

https://www.thebrandongrahamfoundation.com/

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Brandon Graham

There is hope for others.

Through the hard work and dedication of family and friends, the memory of Brandon Graham and all the positives he brought into the world are treasured and remembered.

His life, the way he loved those around him and always sought out the best in himself and others, lives on.

Through the foundation they have launched in Brandon’s name, those closest to him are providing help for others who might consider taking their own lives.

The inspired work began with a highly successful luau fundraiser recently held at Coupeville’s Nordic Lodge, and will continue in the days, months, and years to come.

The Brandon Graham Foundation is sponsoring an appearance by a motivational speaker, who will meet with the youth of the community Sept. 14.

Details for that event, and a possible follow-up assembly that evening, are still being worked out.

Awash in the positivity of their opening fundraiser, organizers are taking a moment to thank the many people and businesses involved in making the luau a success.

From guest speakers Jennifer Marzocca and Tammy Joy to those who helped set up tables and auction items, to those running payment and t-shirt tables, all involved were invaluable.

 

Organizers thank:

Adorned by Jules
Anania Trucking
Applebee’s
Joe and Haylee Armstrong
Kelly and Jerry Asbjornsen
Ashley’s Design
Casey Audette – NW Cabinets LLC
Backbreakers
Barb and the boys
Bayleaf

Karen Berg
Ashley Bindschatel
Blue Fox Drive-In
Julie Brooks – One Lash Thing
Dan Brown
Melissa Brown
The Casual House
Dana Chambers
Chris’s Bakery
Ciao

A Clean Carpet Company
Dark Creek Candle and Soap
Kelly Dethlefs
Dirty Bird Studio
Ebey Academy
Irene Echenique
Flossy Nicole by Julie Savoy
Flyers
Freeland Family Dentist
Front Street Grill

Tammy and Stevie Glover
The Green House Florist and Nursery
Amanda and Dylan Gunning
The Henderson sisters
Hilltop Auto Service
Home Depot
Cheri Hovander
Gary and Jen Howard
Humphrey Sign Company
Island Glass Company

Ivar’s
Terry and Rita Jackson
Javy Javy
Jersey Mike’s Subs
Katie Johnson
Julie Natalie Imagery
Kapaw’s Iskreme
Melissa Losey
Maria Maguire
Melissa McCumber

Marcia Muchnick
Nite Owl Tattoo
Northern Quest Resort and Casino
Oak Bowl
Suzie Palmer
Penn Cove Brewing Company
Pepper Bridge Winery (John and Cheri Causey)
Pickle’s Deli
Pilgrimage Pottery by Marcia
PNW Vibe Market

Polished Studio
Popsies
Regency on Whidbey
Kristi Rosen
Seattle Mariners (Dan Wilson)
Bettie Sifuentes-Hart
Silver Cloud Hotel
Silver Reef Casino
Konni Smith
Starbucks Coffee

Steve Richardson Insurance
Swinomish Casino and Lodge
Sysco Food Service
Charlie Terpening
Terra Firma Wealth Management
Thrive Community Fitness
Trevor Asbjornsen Real Estate
Alicia Turner
Grant and Colleen Van Dyke
Mike and Debbie Vescovi

Vida Integrated Health
Jim and Dee Wheat
Whidbey Coffee
Zanini’s Deli

 

For more info on the Brandon Graham Foundation and its work, or to donate, pop over to:

https://www.thebrandongrahamfoundation.com/

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Brandon Graham

They’re turning their pain into positivity.

Friends and family of Brandon Graham want to help others in emotional need, doing everything they can to offer an alternative to suicide.

Graham, a 2007 Coupeville High School grad who died last summer, had a huge impact on those around him.

Fellow CHS grads Debbie Vescovi and Michelle Armstrong launched a foundation in his honor, which will “offer support for Coupeville and Oak Harbor schools, with a focus on mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and anti-bullying efforts.”

Money raised will be used to provide resources for students and training for teachers and parents, with an emphasis on bringing together local law enforcement, chaplains, and motivational speakers.

The foundation now has an active website, and is holding a luau fundraiser this Saturday, Aug. 6.

The dinner, which will feature a silent auction, is at the Nordic Lodge in Coupeville (63 Jacobs Rd.), with things starting at 4 PM.

Tickets, which are $30 for single admission, or $50 for a couple, can be obtained at Polished Studio in Oak Harbor (861 SE Pioneer Way), by emailing thebrandongrahamfoundation@gmail.com, or on the foundation’s website.

The plan is to make the dinner a yearly fundraiser.

If they can help other families avoid the pain of a loved one’s suicide, foundation organizers will have reached their goal.

“Mental health wellness needs to be a number one priority for our children,” they said.

“We, as a community, can provide our youth with tools to be able to work through the problems they have, and know that the community has their back.”

 

To see the foundation’s website, pop over to:

https://www.thebrandongrahamfoundation.com/

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