LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — With a focus on youth mental health at this year’s Chili for Charity event, a mother shared her heartbreaking story of loss in hopes of bringing awareness to mental illness and suicide.

Kim Bader and her family founded the Dear Nicolas Foundation in honor of her son, Nicolas, to advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. She spoke about how Nicolas was living his dream working on Broadway but still struggled with anxiety. Her message emphasized the importance of helping young people understand that difficult times can improve.

Mother shares son’s story to raise awareness at Chili for Charity Event

Kim Bader and her family founded the Dear Nicolas Foundation in honor of her son, Nicolas, to advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

“We can teach our youth today that they can be resilient and be able to function and overcome all of these different obstacles that are out there,” Bader said. “Whether it’s something going on at home or even peer pressure they’re feeling, we can make that change and be okay.”

In June of last year, the Dear Nicolas Foundation hosted a Bow Tie Event to raise funds for the Mental Health & Recovery Services Board. Bader said they hope to hold another event after the success of the first.

Mother shares son’s story to raise awareness at Chili for Charity Event

In June of last year, the Dear Nicolas Foundation hosted a Bow Tie Event to raise funds for the Mental Health & Recovery Services Board.

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