As you may or may not know, I lost my brother in 2018 to suicide. Over the past few years since that tragic day, I’ve learned that struggles with mental health are far too common. In the United States, almost half of adults will experience a mental health illness during their lifetime. Yet the stigmas attached to them cause many of these people to suffer in silence, which can be debilitating and even deadly. This is why Mike & I continue to partner with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and help raise awareness for the many Americans who may feel alone in their struggles. You are NEVER alone.
Our families participated in two “Out of the Darkness” walks this past Fall that the New Jersey chapter of AFSP organized and hosted. Watching our hometown, as well as people from all over the state, come together to share in their struggles, honor their loved one’s memories and spread awareness in their names was so emotional, yet so powerful! Mike & I want to continue to fan the flame of advocacy and awareness in the hopes that other families won’t have to experience the pain of losing a loved one in this way.
Mike & I are so excited to launch our collaboration with custom sports apparel brand Tiny Turnip, founder Rachel Luzi and her business partner Jalynne Crawford, to help support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)! We have always been fans and customers of the Tiny Turnip brand. From one-of-a-kind pieces for All-Star games and playoffs or custom designs for our little one on the way to sport at his Daddy’s games, Rachel’s designs never disappoint! Her attention to detail and the quality of her pieces are second to none, and it’s evident that she takes pride in creating special & meaningful artwork for all her sports families.
To support the cause, Mike & I worked with Rachel to design a special piece of custom artwork that embodied important messages of mental health awareness and suicide prevention. The main focus of our design was the semicolon, symbolizing a punctuation mark in literature where the author could have ended a sentence, but decided to continue the sentence instead. Our design is meant to empower those who are struggling to know it’s okay not to be okay, to seek help and to know that their “game isn’t over yet!”
Through this collaboration, we’ve also learned more about Tiny Turnip’s charitable ambitions and their desire to help bring awareness to the many causes sport’s families advocate for and support. So when Rachel contacted Mike & I this Spring and offered to partner with us and the charity of our choice, it was a no brainer! We knew we wanted to focus our efforts on mental health awareness, specifically suicide prevention, as this is a cause that hits close to home for us.
Proceeds from each purchase of product featuring our design will go to the AFSP, who continues to fund scientific research, educate the public and advocate for public policies about mental health and suicide prevention.
Tiny Turnip, AFSP, Mike & I are so excited to finally launch this passion project of ours we’ve been working so hard on. Your support is appreciated more than you will ever know and we hope and pray this collaboration touches the lives of even just one precious soul and alters the course of their life for the better. You are loved, you’re never alone and your game isn’t over yet!
- Jess and Mike Trout
33 comments
Melvin Dotson
One of our childhood friends lost an uncle to suicide back in the late 80s. Sorry for the loss of your brother. Mel Dotson W MA
One of our childhood friends lost an uncle to suicide back in the late 80s. Sorry for the loss of your brother. Mel Dotson W MA
Melvin Dotson
Hopefully, individuals can intervene in time when their loved ones find themselves in such a situation and assist them. Mel Dotson USPS Western MA
Hopefully, individuals can intervene in time when their loved ones find themselves in such a situation and assist them. Mel Dotson USPS Western MA
Kevin Kastrava
Hey Mike & Jess,
I’m a SJ resident who played football at Delsea. Graduated One year after you in 10’. I been Battling Suicidal thoughts for a long time and recently my best friend has passed from it. I have a 3yr old and another Baby Girl due March 3rd, 2021 and I’m going to be grabbing stuff now. It’s such an Amazing thing you & your wife do. I’m proud to reside in SJ and be able to have a product that hits home in 2 aspects. Thank you, when my daughter wears this and even if I have a day of doubt this merchandise will help me get through the day!
Hey Mike & Jess,
I’m a SJ resident who played football at Delsea. Graduated One year after you in 10’. I been Battling Suicidal thoughts for a long time and recently my best friend has passed from it. I have a 3yr old and another Baby Girl due March 3rd, 2021 and I’m going to be grabbing stuff now. It’s such an Amazing thing you & your wife do. I’m proud to reside in SJ and be able to have a product that hits home in 2 aspects. Thank you, when my daughter wears this and even if I have a day of doubt this merchandise will help me get through the day!
LIsa BUrgess
I lost my 16-year old son over a year ago to suicide.
It’s nice to read about others who have gone through this when so many days I don’t feel okay and I feel so alone.
I’ve done the “walks” and get help.
I know I will be used to teachers other kids about mental illness and the stigma. I hope this journey will get better
I lost my 16-year old son over a year ago to suicide.
It’s nice to read about others who have gone through this when so many days I don’t feel okay and I feel so alone.
I’ve done the “walks” and get help.
I know I will be used to teachers other kids about mental illness and the stigma. I hope this journey will get better
DEbbie THomas
Mike and Jessica, we know the pain. Today is one year since my 18 yo nephew committed suicide. He lived in Woodstown, NJ. His name was Tyler Turpin. He was a cadet in the coast guard. Needless to say, our family is crushed. We all own these shirts. But what makes it more special is that he was one of your biggest fans. We have many pics of him wearing your jersey. And you signed one of your game balls and gave it to my family – which sits with Tyler’s belongings. My son works at south Jersey gas with a friend of yours. You’re generosity is so appreciated by this family. If you receive this, we are doing a light up the night for Tyler tonight. If you could light a candle and snap a pic, labeled #Tyedtolife, it would be a blessing . Thank you for helping with suicide awareness
Mike and Jessica, we know the pain. Today is one year since my 18 yo nephew committed suicide. He lived in Woodstown, NJ. His name was Tyler Turpin. He was a cadet in the coast guard. Needless to say, our family is crushed. We all own these shirts. But what makes it more special is that he was one of your biggest fans. We have many pics of him wearing your jersey. And you signed one of your game balls and gave it to my family – which sits with Tyler’s belongings. My son works at south Jersey gas with a friend of yours. You’re generosity is so appreciated by this family. If you receive this, we are doing a light up the night for Tyler tonight. If you could light a candle and snap a pic, labeled #Tyedtolife, it would be a blessing . Thank you for helping with suicide awareness
HB
This is a great way to make an impact and raise awareness- causes like these will remind those struggle with mental illness that they are not alone. Our game isn’t over yet – Thank you
This is a great way to make an impact and raise awareness- causes like these will remind those struggle with mental illness that they are not alone. Our game isn’t over yet – Thank you
Hazel
Two grand daughters. I support that cause whole heartly. Every year we do the walk in Octorber. You are invited to participate if time allows. WITH so much going on don’t know how it gonna be done this year. Usually held at the vo-tech on college drive. God bless
Two grand daughters. I support that cause whole heartly. Every year we do the walk in Octorber. You are invited to participate if time allows. WITH so much going on don’t know how it gonna be done this year. Usually held at the vo-tech on college drive. God bless
Linda Seidenglanz
Thank you so much for what this. The cause it represents..i have friends that have lost loved ones to suicide ..its devastating..i bought a shirt and canvas bag..#1577. So meaningfull..Blessings to you both..❤❤ and your Beckham💙
Thank you so much for what this. The cause it represents..i have friends that have lost loved ones to suicide ..its devastating..i bought a shirt and canvas bag..#1577. So meaningfull..Blessings to you both..❤❤ and your Beckham💙
Sue Corning
I am the voluntear coordinator for the Disney Store in Portland Oregon. I have been looking for a really good cause that we (the store castmembers) can get behind. Because of your story, I would like to coordinate with your group to have some kind of fund raiser here in Portland that could also raise awareness in this area. With all that has happened in the area (covid, wildfires, protests/riots) we will/do have many more people than normal needing this type of help.
I am the voluntear coordinator for the Disney Store in Portland Oregon. I have been looking for a really good cause that we (the store castmembers) can get behind. Because of your story, I would like to coordinate with your group to have some kind of fund raiser here in Portland that could also raise awareness in this area. With all that has happened in the area (covid, wildfires, protests/riots) we will/do have many more people than normal needing this type of help.
Michele Thomas
Mike you are such a stand up guy. Your wife is amazing. My husband played ball with your dad. We will definitely be ordering some shirts. God bless you both and your little guy too.
Michele Thomas
Mike you are such a stand up guy. Your wife is amazing. My husband played ball with your dad. We will definitely be ordering some shirts. God bless you both and your little guy too.
Michele Thomas
brandy Lidbeck
I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for the work you are doing! I’m a 2-time suicide-loss survivor and I work with those impacted by suicide loss. I would love to send you something I hope would be helpful in your grief. If you’re up for it, you can email me or contact me at thegiftofsecond.com
Take care!
I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for the work you are doing! I’m a 2-time suicide-loss survivor and I work with those impacted by suicide loss. I would love to send you something I hope would be helpful in your grief. If you’re up for it, you can email me or contact me at thegiftofsecond.com
Take care!
Julie Samuelson
This is such an important issue. Thank you for joining the fight.
This is such an important issue. Thank you for joining the fight.
Shannon
Thank you for all you are doing in this area. Lost my sister to suicide. The pain never goes away. I pray for peace for you and your family from the loss of your brother.
Thank you for all you are doing in this area. Lost my sister to suicide. The pain never goes away. I pray for peace for you and your family from the loss of your brother.
Cindy
Knowing the signs is so important. I wish I had been able to see my brother but he sounded fine on the phone. I doubt that he would have hurt us like that. He’s been gone for 5years and it never gets better.
Knowing the signs is so important. I wish I had been able to see my brother but he sounded fine on the phone. I doubt that he would have hurt us like that. He’s been gone for 5years and it never gets better.
April Addington
Mike & Jess Trout,
Thank you both, as well as Tiny Turnip, for doing something to help get suicide awareness out there and let those battling mental illnesses know that they do have a voice and have options to seek help. I have lost two very good friends to suicide in years past and it is so sad that they both felt they couldn’t turn to any of us, family or friends, for help. Jess, I am very sorry about your brother. I can only imagine what you and your family have been through with this. Much love to you both!
Mike & Jess Trout,
Thank you both, as well as Tiny Turnip, for doing something to help get suicide awareness out there and let those battling mental illnesses know that they do have a voice and have options to seek help. I have lost two very good friends to suicide in years past and it is so sad that they both felt they couldn’t turn to any of us, family or friends, for help. Jess, I am very sorry about your brother. I can only imagine what you and your family have been through with this. Much love to you both!
David Czaplicki
So cool to see a sports figure, well, more of a sports god, to be involved in something positive for our community instead of something socially divisive. I have never been exposed to this terrible experience, but you have made me aware and I appreciate it.
So cool to see a sports figure, well, more of a sports god, to be involved in something positive for our community instead of something socially divisive. I have never been exposed to this terrible experience, but you have made me aware and I appreciate it.
Michael Carter
Good Afternoon. My name is Michael Carter and I am a veteran of the Marine Corps as well as Law Enforcement. Throughout my 9 years of military service and 7 years of law enforcement, suicide has been around me. Though I am not comparing the tragic and loss of my fellow Marines and officers to the loss of your brother, I understand how tragic it is to look back and point out the million things we could have done to help them out and prevent what happened. I also first hand know how it feels to be near the brink of suicide because for years I’ve been plagued by the nightmares of what occurred overseas. In 2017 I was involved in an officer involved shooting that was considered to be a “suicide by cop” involving a veteran suffering from PTSD with a loaded firearm. This began my downward spiral and if wasn’t for my wife who stood by me, I know I would have ended things. Since then I have worked to work in myself and work with veterans suffering from the unseen scars from war. Recently my friend, another veteran, and I created a podcast trying to talk about these issues in an informal way. We recently recorded a podcast in which we spoke briefly about your brother and “your game isn’t over yet!” campaign. I am hoping you can watch the podcast and if you do not wish us to release the episode, we can record a different episode leaving your brother’s name and campaign out of it. If you have any questions or comments I would love to hear them. I have provided a direct link to the unpublished episode as well as a link to our website.
https://youtu.be/EbjaaigWcmY
https://reveillepodcast.com/
Good Afternoon. My name is Michael Carter and I am a veteran of the Marine Corps as well as Law Enforcement. Throughout my 9 years of military service and 7 years of law enforcement, suicide has been around me. Though I am not comparing the tragic and loss of my fellow Marines and officers to the loss of your brother, I understand how tragic it is to look back and point out the million things we could have done to help them out and prevent what happened. I also first hand know how it feels to be near the brink of suicide because for years I’ve been plagued by the nightmares of what occurred overseas. In 2017 I was involved in an officer involved shooting that was considered to be a “suicide by cop” involving a veteran suffering from PTSD with a loaded firearm. This began my downward spiral and if wasn’t for my wife who stood by me, I know I would have ended things. Since then I have worked to work in myself and work with veterans suffering from the unseen scars from war. Recently my friend, another veteran, and I created a podcast trying to talk about these issues in an informal way. We recently recorded a podcast in which we spoke briefly about your brother and “your game isn’t over yet!” campaign. I am hoping you can watch the podcast and if you do not wish us to release the episode, we can record a different episode leaving your brother’s name and campaign out of it. If you have any questions or comments I would love to hear them. I have provided a direct link to the unpublished episode as well as a link to our website.
https://youtu.be/EbjaaigWcmY
https://reveillepodcast.com/
Kali
Lost my brother also in 2018. We are from Millville, your Dads class Mike…
Sad for your loss Jess. Thank you for bringing awareness to this difficult topic.
Lost my brother also in 2018. We are from Millville, your Dads class Mike…
Sad for your loss Jess. Thank you for bringing awareness to this difficult topic.
Martha Ann Hernandez
God Bless Mike and Jess on their journey to stop children and adults from a potential suicide. Each life is precious: Each soul is unforgetable: Each individual special in their God given talents:
Let us all spread the word of James 4:10.
God Bless Mike and Jess on their journey to stop children and adults from a potential suicide. Each life is precious: Each soul is unforgetable: Each individual special in their God given talents:
Let us all spread the word of James 4:10.
Order #2883
Thank You ~ Tiny Turnip, Mike and Jess Trout!
I am grateful for the collaboration and awareness. Very sorry for your loss Jess.
I as well, have had 2 family members take their lives.
Love the design, I have made my purchase!!
Thank You ~ Tiny Turnip, Mike and Jess Trout!
I am grateful for the collaboration and awareness. Very sorry for your loss Jess.
I as well, have had 2 family members take their lives.
Love the design, I have made my purchase!!
Shannon
Thank you for bringing suicide awareness to the forefront of mental health. I am a suicide attempt survivor. I would have left my kids with no mother 10 years ago. I thank God everyday for his Blessings and for bringing me back to life! Order#2416
Thank you for bringing suicide awareness to the forefront of mental health. I am a suicide attempt survivor. I would have left my kids with no mother 10 years ago. I thank God everyday for his Blessings and for bringing me back to life! Order#2416
Sue Jarrett
It is an honor to support Mike, Jess, Tiny Turnip and The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in their efforts to raise awareness for suicide prevention, scientific research, and education for the public on mental health awareness. You are amazing role models and let’s hope and pray that those struggling will reach out for help and support. Each time I drink from my Mug I will raise it to the heavens above in honor of the lives lost.
It is an honor to support Mike, Jess, Tiny Turnip and The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in their efforts to raise awareness for suicide prevention, scientific research, and education for the public on mental health awareness. You are amazing role models and let’s hope and pray that those struggling will reach out for help and support. Each time I drink from my Mug I will raise it to the heavens above in honor of the lives lost.
Sandra Valdez-Soriano
Hello,
Mike and Jess Thank you for sharing your story with your fans. What a great way to help others! I purchased a shirt for my son. It is important to let our children know they can always talk to their parents about anything. What best way to add to that then with a shirt that Mike Trout helped design, his number
one baseball role Model! ❤️⚾️❤️👼
Hello,
Mike and Jess Thank you for sharing your story with your fans. What a great way to help others! I purchased a shirt for my son. It is important to let our children know they can always talk to their parents about anything. What best way to add to that then with a shirt that Mike Trout helped design, his number
one baseball role Model! ❤️⚾️❤️👼
D T
We lost our son to suicide in 2012. The pain never goes away. He was an Angel Season Ticket Holder and fan from early childhood. We bought a brick at the stadium in his honor!
We love and miss him everyday, and applaud you both for speaking out and supporting this cause!
Hoping one day if Covid ever ends to buy the canvas and have it signed by you both to display in our home.
❤️DT
We lost our son to suicide in 2012. The pain never goes away. He was an Angel Season Ticket Holder and fan from early childhood. We bought a brick at the stadium in his honor!
We love and miss him everyday, and applaud you both for speaking out and supporting this cause!
Hoping one day if Covid ever ends to buy the canvas and have it signed by you both to display in our home.
❤️DT
Julie Hutchinson
I am so touched by the continued efforts of the Mike and Jess to share their families story. Taking the loss of Aaron and using that as a platform to help others heal or to know that they are not alone is amazing. The COVID-19 seclusion and challenges comucate thses mental health issues. Every opportunity we have to let others know they can share and that their story is important and that they are valued is essential. I will wear my shirt proudly and hope that it matters to someone. Thank you all for this campaign and for sharing hope for the future! Life is precious! Order #2466
I am so touched by the continued efforts of the Mike and Jess to share their families story. Taking the loss of Aaron and using that as a platform to help others heal or to know that they are not alone is amazing. The COVID-19 seclusion and challenges comucate thses mental health issues. Every opportunity we have to let others know they can share and that their story is important and that they are valued is essential. I will wear my shirt proudly and hope that it matters to someone. Thank you all for this campaign and for sharing hope for the future! Life is precious! Order #2466
Jessica B.
This is truly a gift to everyone that knows the pain of suicide. My husband and I lost our son 8 years ago. The pain never goes away, but you learn to walk with it. Thank you for creating such a special piece of you to share that will continue to help others. Thank you for being amazing role models that kids today can and should immulate. God bless Mike & Jess Trout, & their Family. Much love to you all.
This is truly a gift to everyone that knows the pain of suicide. My husband and I lost our son 8 years ago. The pain never goes away, but you learn to walk with it. Thank you for creating such a special piece of you to share that will continue to help others. Thank you for being amazing role models that kids today can and should immulate. God bless Mike & Jess Trout, & their Family. Much love to you all.
Soila Moore
Thank you for this. Let’s pray those that are struggling with this illness will reach out to someone.
Thank you for this. Let’s pray those that are struggling with this illness will reach out to someone.
Joleen Klundt
Thank you for going above and beyond to stop the stigma associated with mental health issues. Getting help is the first step and no one should ever feel ashamed. Blessings to the two of you! 👏🏻👏🏻❤️
Thank you for going above and beyond to stop the stigma associated with mental health issues. Getting help is the first step and no one should ever feel ashamed. Blessings to the two of you! 👏🏻👏🏻❤️
Jenny Q
Hi Infield Charter, I saw Mike and Jessica Trouts launch of their campaign of Suicide Awareness. This week in Baraboo, WI, a 10 year old girl took her own life . Kodie B. Dutcher was only 10. She was found in a cornfield not far from her house. She was the only child to a single mom. Mental illness and suicide are happening at younger ages. 10 years old- 5th grade. I was hoping if you could get in touch with the Trouts to send Kodie’s mom a T-shirt. I have provided a link to her obituary and go fund me account
.https://redlinfuneralhome.com/obituary-detail.php?obituary_id=10762345
https://www.gofundme.com/f/remembering-kodie-b-dutcher?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheetOh
Hi Infield Charter, I saw Mike and Jessica Trouts launch of their campaign of Suicide Awareness. This week in Baraboo, WI, a 10 year old girl took her own life . Kodie B. Dutcher was only 10. She was found in a cornfield not far from her house. She was the only child to a single mom. Mental illness and suicide are happening at younger ages. 10 years old- 5th grade. I was hoping if you could get in touch with the Trouts to send Kodie’s mom a T-shirt. I have provided a link to her obituary and go fund me account
.https://redlinfuneralhome.com/obituary-detail.php?obituary_id=10762345
https://www.gofundme.com/f/remembering-kodie-b-dutcher?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheetOh
Megan Peterson
This is absolutely amazing! I lost my nephew to suicide 9 months ago. He was an avid baseball fan, and absolutely adored you. He always joked and said he was going to be the next Mike Trout in our area. He pitched for St Augustine Prep in our local area here in south jersey. He had just started the USCG Academy where he was going to pursue his dreams of playing baseball for them. Unfortunately his game ended on Sept 23, 2019 while in the Coast Guard Academy. I will wear this shirt very proudly, along with everyone else in our family! Thank You for giving back to the community and for being such a great role model and advocate for people to reach out, because your story doesn’t ever have to end! Thank you Mike and Jess.
This is absolutely amazing! I lost my nephew to suicide 9 months ago. He was an avid baseball fan, and absolutely adored you. He always joked and said he was going to be the next Mike Trout in our area. He pitched for St Augustine Prep in our local area here in south jersey. He had just started the USCG Academy where he was going to pursue his dreams of playing baseball for them. Unfortunately his game ended on Sept 23, 2019 while in the Coast Guard Academy. I will wear this shirt very proudly, along with everyone else in our family! Thank You for giving back to the community and for being such a great role model and advocate for people to reach out, because your story doesn’t ever have to end! Thank you Mike and Jess.
Karl
We lost our son Andrew to suicide in 2013. I cannot tell you how much in means to my family that you are helping to bring awareness to this important issue. One more reason that Mike is a true legend. Much love to Mike, Jess and family.
We lost our son Andrew to suicide in 2013. I cannot tell you how much in means to my family that you are helping to bring awareness to this important issue. One more reason that Mike is a true legend. Much love to Mike, Jess and family.
Ruth Sapien
Thank you for all you are doing for this cause!!! ♥️
Thank you for all you are doing for this cause!!! ♥️
Brenda Bradfotd
What an exciting time for you both. I love your dedication to something that is so very important even now more than ever. Mental Health is real and we all need to help where and when we can. Good luck with your charity and especially Baby Trout. God Bless you both. 💗💗
What an exciting time for you both. I love your dedication to something that is so very important even now more than ever. Mental Health is real and we all need to help where and when we can. Good luck with your charity and especially Baby Trout. God Bless you both. 💗💗