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Good Morning Aurora

Interview w/ 71 Reasons and More Foundation | Payton & Deborah

·30 min·3 clips
How did the suicide of a high school football player lead to a mental health foundation?
The episode begins with an introduction to the 71 Reasons and More Foundation, founded in response to the suicide of Mark Chappas Jr. in 2021. Deborah and Peyton explain their roles as co-president and board member, respectively, and describe the foundation's focus on mental health awareness and suicide prevention. They detail the organization's start during the COVID-19 pandemic and its initial challenges with outreach through social media and word of mouth. The service area primarily includes Oswego but extends to places like Sandwich, Kendall County, and Aurora. The hosts discuss events such as teen game nights held monthly at the Oswego Land Senior and Community Center, featuring games like pickleball and D&D. They also mention the TALK event in school district 308, where teens participate in activities like a silent line-crossing game to foster connections. Deborah shares how hearing testimonies from people who lost loved ones to suicide has inspired her work, while Peyton talks about volunteering helping her cope with depression. The conversation covers the reduction in stigma around mental health, with examples of increased openness among youth compared to past generations. Resources include a volunteer therapist and partnerships with organizations like NAMI. Upcoming events include a bowling fundraiser on July 31st at Parkside Lanes in Aurora and participation in Prairie Fest and Sandwich Fair. The episode concludes with a message encouraging openness and reaching out for help.

As heard by us

A candid episode about turning painful losses into reasons for people to reach out.

Good Morning Aurora gives 71 Reasons and More Foundation a clear frame: mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and the steady work of making hard conversations feel less impossible.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You want a candid local conversation about making suicide prevention and mental-health support easier to talk about.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →
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