Tyler was my brother and my best friend. He looked strong to everyone around him, but he was struggling in silence. In his final year of college, he took his own life. Losing him changed my world forever.

I know there are so many others out there who feel alone, unheard, or afraid to speak up about their struggles. I want to honor Tyler’s memory by reaching those people and letting them know they matter.

My family has decided to create a Foundation in honor of Tyler to help young people realize how much they matter and how they’re not alone. Your support will help my family and any volunteers visit schools, host events, and create resources for those who need it most.

Through Instagram and TikTok, every follower my TJP Foundation accounts gain, I will run one foot. Every step I take, is for Tyler, and for those who may be feeling hopeless, so I can show that You are loved, and have a future regardless of how dark and hard things may feel right now. I’ll be sharing Tyler’s story through this challenge, and hope to reach as many people as possible, not only to help those struggling, but to educate everyone on the seriousness of Mental Health.

I’m inviting companies and donors to support this challenge. Sponsors will be featured on a public leaderboard and recognized throughout the campaign, gaining visibility while helping fund real mental-health outreach, with all proceeds in support of the “Tyler J. Paton Foundation”.