Mind over Miles: Honoring Zach B. with Suicide Awareness

It hurts to share the devastating loss of Zach Brown, who tragically passed by suicide. Zach had a personality like no other; he was an amazing boyfriend to my sister, Michelle Nader. Zach was a beloved friend to everyone who knew him. His love for milk, trampolines, and his creative cooking made everyone laugh and love him. He was always cooking food for us and spent every waking second with her. They were attached at the hip; if Michelle was there, so was Zach, not too far behind.

I remember meeting Zach for the first time very clearly. It was at a friend's apartment, and Michelle had briefed me about him. He was very shy and did not speak much. I think it was because he was nervous to meet all of Michelle's friends at once. I broke the silence by asking how they had met. Once he got to know me and get more comfortable, his energy changed drastically; his personality didn't, however; he was still the awkwardly funny guy that could make anyone laugh.

He loved anything active, just like a little kid. I remember for Zach's 23rd birthday he wanted to go to a trampoline park. Out of everything we could have done, he wanted that. After what seemed like hours of jumping around, Michelle, one of my friends, and I had to wait on a couch for him to finish a basketball game with some strangers. He had the heart of a kid, and it was nice to have that around.

His loss has affected me in a way I did not expect. Seeing the guy who made my sister laugh every second of every day and then suddenly... it stopped. I've been pretty tough on Michelle's past boyfriends, but this man showed me something that the others didn't in Michelle. True Love. I knew Michelle was being taken care of, loved for, and had a comedian with her. That was all I could ask for.

I want to start this GoFundMe so that others may not experience what Zach's family, my family, and I have gone through. And if they do, I want to help them get the help they need and deserve. Suicide is a deeply complex and often incomprehensible aspect of life, leaving us with countless unanswered questions.

In the wake of this heartbreaking loss, we are committed to turning our grief into action. This GoFundMe is dedicated to raising both awareness about suicide prevention and funds for the Suicide Prevention Association, an incredible organization providing resources, support, and hope to those affected by trauma and loss.

Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference. Together, we can spark meaningful change and bring hope to those in need.

Thank you for your support and compassion and for helping us honor Zach's life in a way that could save others.