For most 13-year-old, eighth grade boys, life is filled with various types of diversions, things such as sports. According to his mom, Amber, Brayden Seasholtz is currently on the football team and he loves sports! He takes after his dad and loves the Pittsburgh Pirates, Penn State football and wrestling, the Pittsburgh Penguins, and the Las Vegas Raiders. He has other interests such as girls and various other things, but Brayden’s life took an unexpected and tragic turn.

Two years ago, Brayden’s father, Brennan Seasholtz, took his own life. After the shock of this unspeakable tragedy, Brayden resolved to turn his grief into positive action.

He and his family became involved with Out of the Darkness and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention through a post on Facebook. For the past two years, they have been involved in the Out of the Darkness walk, held in Lock Haven. This event allows people who have been affected by suicide, whether they struggle with mental health or someone they love struggles or has lost their battle, come together and show support for one another.

Over the last two decades, the suicide rate in the United States has sharply increased, making it the 10th leading cause of death in our country according to the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Suicide now claims more lives than automobile accidents each year, and some leaders in the mental health field believe that our deteriorating mental health care system is partially to blame.

Each year the Seasholtzs create a walking team, Bull14, and raise money for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Last year, 2019, Brayden held a Coin Wars at school where he raised just over $2,600 and a Kickball Tournament raising $2,300. All together last year he was able to raise just over $6,000 for AFSP.

This year, due to COVID, the Seasholtzs were unable to fundraise as they did last year, which is making it hard to meet Brayden’s goal of $10,000. “Because we were unable to do his normal school fundraiser and, at the time, his kickball tournament, he decided to try something a little different. He teamed up with the Hatchet House and decided to create an event with them. This event allows us to raise awareness and money for our cause,” Amber, told Webb Weekly.

The event is being held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. (later if needed) at the Hatchet House, 362 Market Street, Williamsport. “We will be selling food, 50/50 and raffle prizes. For $25.00, a person is able to throw hatchets, for any time period, and get themselves entered into our highest score challenge,” Amber said. “The top scoring participant will receive a prize basket supplied by The Hatchet House. Other raffle items are a necklace from Petro’s Jewelers, overnight stays at TownePlace Suites, The Hampton Inn and the Residence Inn, $25 gift card from Boom City Brewery, and a signed picture of John Cappelleti, Penn State Heisman Trophy winner, plus other items. If people would like to attend and donate money or try to win raffle prizes, they are more than welcome. We are open to the public!”