Ava Ford’s Humanimality Story – Mental Health Awareness Month

REMEMBERING ABBY – MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

by Ava Ford

My sister Abby was 22 when she passed away from her personal struggle with mental health. Abby was super motivated and I always looked up to her even though she was younger. We were very close and always would take care of each other. When we grew older, Abby went to school in New York, while I went to California. My advice in terms of mental health, is to always check up on family and the people who appear the strongest, because you just never know who could be struggling.

I am the oldest of four sisters, Abby was the second oldest. Growing up, Abby was always really connected to animals. She loved caring for and being there for them. We grew up in Massachusetts and cared for many litters of kittens growing up. Abby loved cats and I remember her favorite was a cat named Thunder. She was always so caring and went out of her way to help people and animals. Working at SPCA Tampa Bay helping animals and people helps take my mind off things. My sister and I always loved animals and working here caring for the animals reminds me of her and gives me something positive to focus on.

Our youngest sister Alley started an annual Bee Strong 5K (@BeeStrongUNH) at the University of New Hampshire in memory of Abby and in support of Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness. The Bee Strong 5K has passed this year, but are always accepting donations. All proceeds through Bee Strong are donated to organizations that are in support of Suicide Prevention.

For Mental Health Awareness Month resources, community stories, and ways to get involved with animals at SPCA Tampa Bay, visit spcatampabay.org/mentalhealth.