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Kevin’s Afterglow: Shining A Light On Youth Mental Health With Jim Kuczo
May 21, 2023
Looking to make a difference in the lives of young people? Join us for a heartwarming conversation with Jim Kuczo, president and co-founder of Kevin’s Afterglow, a non-profit organization born from tragedy and dedicated to fostering hope and resilience. Discover the inspiring story behind Kevin’s Afterglow and how they’re teaching kids the power of kindness, empathy, and mental health awareness. Learn about their innovative Buddy Bench program, a simple yet powerful tool that encourages peer support and helps kids develop crucial social-emotional skills. Plus, hear Jim’s personal journey of navigating grief and loss while making a positive impact on his community. This episode is a testament to the power of human connection and the importance of creating a supportive environment for young people to thrive.
In the Afterglow: Jim Kuczo on Creating a Positive Legacy from the Tragic Loss of His Son, Kevin
May 21, 2023
PODCAST: This episode contains content related to suicide that may be triggering to some listeners.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. If you or someone you know is in distress, please dial 988 in the United States for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a suicide prevention network of over 200+ crisis centers that provides 24/7 service to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Calls to 988 are toll-free.
Kevin Kuczo was an all-American kid. He played Lacrosse, worked hard at school, and volunteered with a local church youth group. He was a great friend, teammate and student; he took great pride in his grades. He was generous and kind; someone who would do anything to help others. Kevin did his best to juggle the demands and pressures of high school – AP classes, fitting in, living life on social media. Then in early 2020, like so many teens, Kevin struggled with the isolation and social dislocation wrought by the global pandemic. He saw a therapist and a doctor prescribed antidepressants. Kevin’s depression seemed to moderate, but tragically, in February of 2021, he took his own life. He was 17.
Fairfield couple who lost son to suicide brings message of hope and awareness in Wilton
February 20, 2023
WILTON — Striving to find purpose in the suicide death of their son two years ago, a Fairfield couple came to Wilton to share their experiences and encourage awareness of mental-health issues.
Spreading Kindness to Honor a Son’s Memory, ‘Kevin’s Afterglow’ Coming to Wilton
February 8, 2023
Jim Kuczo’s drive, he said, is clear. It’s to spread kindness in the name of his late son, Kevin.
“The hope of that keeps me going,” Kuczo said, “that I’ll make change, positive change, in my son’s name.”
Fairfield family spreads son's 'Afterglow' following suicide
May 5, 2022
Jim Kuczo says the family was not prepared for what happened and that he wants parents to be more educated on the warning signs of mental health problems. They've started a nonprofit in their son's honor called Kevin's Afterglow.
Fairfield Warde High School students start nonprofit in honor of late classmate
Oct 20, 2021, 3:24pm
Fairfield Warde High School students in the entrepreneurship class created a nonprofit, selling sweatshirts in honor of a classmate who took his own life last year.
The students created 'Spreading Smiles Fairfield,' and say all the money raised will be donated to an organization to prevent teen suicide.
Fairfield family who lost son to mental illness now answers the call to help community
Posted: May 6, 2021 / 04:36 AM EDT / Updated: May 6, 2021 / 03:33 PM EDT
FAIRFIELD, Conn. (WTNH)– As we come out of the pandemic, you may think anyone who has been struggling mentally will feel better naturally. But sadly, it’s far from over. We revisited a Fairfield family who lost their son and now say they’re answering the call for help in their community.
Jeff Jacobs: Kuczo family determined to raise depression awareness after death of son
Jeff Jacobs | April 22, 2021
Jim Kuczo and Jim Kammerman met in the sixth grade in Norwalk. The alphabetic nature of elementary school seating meant they’d often sit next to each other. The boys bonded. They became best friends. Playing, coaching, their love of lacrosse ensured the friendship would never end.
The Fairfield [Conn.] Youth Lacrosse Association created a GoFundMe to support the family of Kevin Kuczo
March 2021
Fairfield school district shifts to in-person learning 5 days a week
Mar 08, 2021, 1:36pm
The Fairfield school district has shifted to all in-person learning,beginning today.
"I felt like I was in outer space, and I was flying in a rocket ship," said McKinley Elementary third grader Ada Kaplan. "I feel like I was the first person on the moon."
Fairfield parents of student who took his own life believe remote learning intensified depression
Feb 25, 2021, 8:03am
As the town of Fairfield set a timeline to bring all students and teachers back to class full time, a family of a student who took his own life say they take comfort in the news that more classrooms will soon be open every day.
Youth in Crisis: COVID pandemic isolation has created mental, physical struggle for youths, teens
Posted: Feb 22, 2021 / 11:28 PM EST / Updated: Feb 23, 2021 / 07:45 AM EST
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — As we approach the one-year mark of the COVID-19 pandemic, a dark reality looms. More and more victims will barely make it out alive. Sadly, others won’t make it at all. It’s created a mental and physical struggle for families.