Gone Too Soon, Avery

CREATED TO CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF AVERY REINE CANTOR, AAF EXISTS TO PREVENT YOUTH SUICIDE THROUGH EDUCATION AND CREATING AWARENESS.

Although not about addiction, "Avery - Gone too soon" is included in the podcast series by Judi Diamond "Affliction of Addiction". This episode is not about addiction, but mental health, suicide prevention and lifting the stigma of mental illness with Kennedy Brown, Program Director of A.R.C. Angeles. However if you've been able to listen to any of the "Affliction of Addiction" series, you may have noticed the correlation between substance abuse and mental health. Oft' times the substance abusers, albeit unaware, are actually "self-medicating" due to depression and/or mental illnesses undiagnosed.

Avery Reine Cantor took her own life at just 17. Kennedy Brown connected with Avery through their mutual love for soccer, but there was something else they had in common. Just months before the tragic loss of Avery, Kennedy was contemplating taking her own life. Kennedy was in the midst of treatment when she got the news of Avery's passing. Avery's tragic loss along with Kennedys own struggles with depression and mental health ultimately put her on a path to help others. Now, at twenty-three, Kennedy continues her work with A.R.C. Angels helping to keep Avery's memory alive by teaching about mental awareness and suicide prevention.

Avery's father, Rick Cantor, began A.R.C. Angels after the loss of his daughter in the hopes that it can help save a parent losing their child as he lost his. Thank you, Kennedy, for your honesty and sharing your story.