Founder
The morning of November 28, 2016, changed my life forever. That’s the day I lost my son, Connor, to suicide. Nothing prepares you for that kind of loss. That moment — and every moment since — has marked the beginning of a journey I never imagined I’d be on.
As a father, the grief was consuming. I was heartbroken, angry, afraid, and overwhelmed with guilt. I didn’t just lose my son — I lost the future I had envisioned for him. I lost his laugh, his presence at holidays, the life moments he was supposed to live. And I felt completely alone in it.
Society often tells men to “be strong,” to keep emotions in check. But grief doesn’t care about expectations. And yet, I found myself trying to hide the pain, unsure of where to go or who would understand. I didn’t see many places for men to talk openly about the depth of this kind of loss. I didn’t want to bury what I was feeling, but I also didn’t know how to begin working through it.
It took me nearly four years to start talking about Connor — really talking — in a way that helped me begin to heal. And when I did, I found that other men were feeling the same way: stuck in silence, unsure how to grieve out loud. Sharing my story became a bridge, not just for me but for others who needed to hear they weren’t alone.
“Sharing my story became a bridge, not just for me but for others who needed to hear they weren’t alone.”
In 2020, we created Honor Connor to give grief a voice, especially for those who have lost someone to suicide. Our mission is to offer hope and healing while breaking the stigma around mental health, addiction, and suicide. We believe that no one should have to walk through this pain alone — and that healing begins with honesty and connection.
One of the most meaningful ways we support others is through our Hold Onto Hope offerings — twice-monthly online meetings for those grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide. These aren’t therapy sessions. They’re safe, welcoming spaces where people can share (or just listen), connect with others who truly understand, and begin to take steps toward healing. Our Hold Onto Hope Mighty Network community also offers 24/7 support, resources, and connection — for both men and women navigating this complicated journey.
If you’re struggling, please know this: you don’t have to stay silent. You don’t have to grieve alone. I’ve learned that grief doesn’t disappear — it just changes shape. And in time, with support and a willingness to face what’s really inside, hope can return. So can joy.
Connor will always be my son. He will always be missed. But through Honor Connor, I’ve found purpose in my pain — and I’ve learned that even in the darkest places, light can still break through.
Dealing with the loss of a loved one to suicide is complicated. We’re here help start the conversation & stop the stigma.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Mental Health America: www.mhanational.org
