Mack Hightower was more than a friend to the people whose lives he touched.  He was a confidant, a companion and a symbol for being yourself in the face of adversity. But behind that bright smile, Mack hid a lot of pain.

As an adult, he was diagnosed with bipolar schizoaffective disorder. Though he fought to be in control of his mood, as intelligent and determined he was, he knew the progression of his disorder. Therapies and medications failed to give Mack the help he needed. Tired of not being able to control his emotions, on May 19th of 2016, Mack succumbed to his disorder when he found no hope in gaining his independence back. Strangled by his inability to control his life, he made the tragic decision to end it.

No amount  of words are enough to describe Mack. He was larger than life itself. The world is definitely a little less bright today without him here. His spirit, so pure and golden, has transformed countless number of lives. His unforgettable charisma and charming personality cheered everyone up around him. Those who came in contact with him have been greatly impacted in a positive way. With a big heart, he shared his unconditional love with everyone. With his bear hugs, he shared warmth and comfort. His contagious smile has brought happiness to an innumerable amount of people.

Mack spent every day of his life trying to make other people's lives just a little bit better and now it's our turn to help the Hightower family give Mack a funeral that celebrates what he did for this world.

So this year, for what would have been Mack's 25th birthday, lets do something Mack would have done for any of us.  Let’s give him a funeral fit for the kind and compassionate person he was.