The LIGHTER Project: Turning Grief into Action for Mental Health Awareness

September is Suicide Awareness Month, and today I am honored to welcome Melani and Lenny Lighter to the podcast. In February 2023, their family was forever changed when their beloved daughter and sister, Lauren, died by suicide. In her memory, and in honor of the millions of lives lost each year, they created LIGHTER, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and providing support for mental health.Currently, they are leading the "Light in the Dark" fundraiser, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Lauren Lighter Fund. This fund directly supports NAMI Chicago, a local mental health organization, as well as the Douglas Mobile Outreach Program, expanding access to resources and care.At its heart, LIGHTER is a candle project designed to bring light and comfort into people’s homes while honoring those who have struggled in darkness. Since its launch in August 2023, LIGHTER has raised over $1 million for mental health foundations in both Montreal and Chicago, offering communities not only resources but also awareness, compassion, and hope.This episode serves as a reminder that we are all fighting battles that are unseen. I hope you find strength in Melani and Lenny’s story, and if you’re able, please consider supporting the Light in the Dark fundraiser with a donation.Episode Resources:Lighter CandlesLight in the Dark FundraiserLink to purchase:FYLPxTracee Badway Merch CollaborationFYLPxWRDSMTH Merch Collaboration*suggestion is to size upDownload this episode of For Your Listening Pleasure wherever you get your podcasts! Make sure you follow us on Instagram @foryourlisteningpleasure  Click here to listen to the For Your Listening Pleasure Theme Song Playlist on Spotify.To continue the conversation, feel free to DM me at https://www.instagram.com/foryourlisteningpleasure/ or email me at [email protected].