A Memorial Fund for Andrew Alsteen

This Thanksgiving, our cousin Andrew John Alsteen made the decision to take his own life. He left this world on his 21st birthday.

My family has had to say goodbye to our nephew, cousin, uncle, friend and only son. Through it all, his parents made sure Andrew’s wish to donate his organs was his final gift to this world.

Andrew was passionate about alleviating mental health differences for others. He felt that doing so was his calling and would be his profession; he was even studying psychology in college. Andrew also took the step to ensure he was an organ donor, which made it possible for him to give many gifts to those in need even after he was gone. He was a kind and beautiful person who will be missed immensely.

As Andrew’s cousins, we have established this fund to support causes that were important to him, and in his name. We hope, with your help, that we will create something positive from this terrible loss by contributing to mental health and suicide prevention programs as well as organ donation awareness. This will be a memorial fund that will do something good and honor the life that Andrew lived.

Andrew was a person who smiled often and had happiness in his life. However, he did deal with anxiety and depression. We are deeply saddened by how that limited our time with him. We want to do all we can to help prevent this loss from happening to other families. This fund will help us work towards that goal.

Many of you have asked how you can help. Thank you. This is how. This is what the family would like to do, and you can help us ensure that others are helped. We will keep those who contribute informed on how these funds will be applied to ensure Andrew’s wish to help others lives on.

Thank you for your love and support of our family. We so appreciate your joining us to honor Andrew's life and to help us help others.