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Kevin’s Afterglow: A Real Conversation About Mental Health
February 13 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Free
Two days after the sudden death of Kevin Kuczo, a vigil was held outside the family’s Fairfield County home. His parents, James and Kristen Kuczo, were asked to speak to the people gathered in support and to honor the memory of the 17-year-old high school junior. It would be the first of many such talks, where the thoughts and words never got any easier. They addressed the large, hushed crowd with honesty and courage. “What happened to Kevin was a tragedy. No parent should ever have to go through this. The only bigger tragedy would be if this happened again,” the family said. Then, the Kuczos made a heartfelt appeal to those gathered:
“If you could try to make someone’s life a little better, try to be a little kinder, a little more giving, then you could make all the difference for someone who really needs it.”
The Kuczos didn’t realize it at the time, but their mission of helping others had begun. They started a new movement, rooted in kindness and giving, that would soon influence their community. In the months that followed, the Kuczos continued to speak at middle school and high school events, as well as to the local media. They shared their message of kindness and compassion, while raising awareness for the vital issue of mental health. With each interaction, the positive impact of Kevin’s Afterglow grows brighter, illuminating the strengths of human kindness, respect and compassion.
They have created Kevin’s Afterglow to carry out a mission: to teach kids kindness, empathy, and the ability to listen to others…, give to others, educate parents and children on mental health, help address the pediatric mental health crisis, and get people to talk.
Please join Trackside Teen Center on Monday, Feb. 13, as Kevin Kuzco’s father Jim discusses the pressures facing kids today, suicide warning signs, actions to prevent suicide, and the organization he established in Kevin’s honor. Donations of $10 are encouraged, and all money raised will go directly to Kevin’s Afterglow. This is recommended for ages 12 years and up.
The event is being held by Trackside Teen Center in partnership with Wilton Pride, the Town of Wilton/Wilton Social Services, the Wilton Public Schools and Kevin’s Afterglow.
Some information republished from the Kevin’s Afterglow website.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis, help is available now. Call or text 988, or chat 988lifeline.org. These services are free and confidential.
