What if you could help save a young adult's life
By reminding them it's ok to get help?
My son Dr. Kevin Dietl died by suicide in the Spring of 2015. On July 22, 2023, I'm biking in the Triple Bypass Race to help raise awareness about depression and suicide in our youth and stop the stigma surrounding getting help. I'm donating every dollar I raise to CHADS–an organization committed to suicide prevention in our young adults.
Hello!
Hi, I'm John Dietl.
in st. louis county, over 5% of middle and high school students attempt suicide every year:
1-18 students
1 in every classroom
13 per day
There is hope...
ABOUT CHADS
- Since 2005, CHADS has provided suicide prevention education to 434,932 individuals, and is currently in 235 area schools.
- Last school year, their Signs of Suicide® program reached 54,996 teens and adults through 2442 presentations in 180 schools. Of the students they spoke to, 6,996 (15.1%) reached out for help and were connected to their school counselor for follow-up.
- Their Social Emotional Wellness Program served 552 clients through 6,343 sessions with 88% showing improvement in Social Emotional Competencies.
- Their Family Support Program assisted 504 youth through 4,811 counseling sessions with 71% showing improvement in their symptoms.
Leading our kids to brighter days
the mission
We save young lives by advancing the awareness and prevention of depression and suicide.
"CHADS gets to the kids early on. If someone is developing warning signs, they can give them the tools they need to move forward and help these kids know it's ok to get help."
-John Dietl
this is my story
The loss of a child is something no parent should ever have to endure. My wife and I understand this pain all too well. Our son, Dr. Kevin Deitl, died by suicide after battling with mental health issues in Spring 2015.
In the wake of Kevin's passing, we have become strong advocates for suicide prevention and youth mental health. We have dedicated our lives to raising awareness, sharing Kevin's story, and promoting resources that offer help and support for families dealing with mental health issues.
Our journey began with our son's passion for medicine. Kevin was nearing graduation from medical school when he passed away. His passion for making a positive impact in this world has inspired us to raise awareness for mental health struggles in the healthcare profession. This includes participating in events like the 2021 Memphis Ironman, and raising money for organizations like CHADS, whose mission is to promote suicide prevention and youth mental health.
Kevin always encouraged me to be healthy and happy so when I thought about doing more physical awareness activities after his death:
i knew something had to change with me physically first...
Our daughter Diana (far left), Kevin, my wife Michele (centered) and me
My daughter Diana and I at
"Ironman" in Memphis 2021
My wife Michele and I at the swim portion of
"Ironman" in Memphis 2021
TO GET HERE, IT WASN'T EASY...but with support,i've come a long way
lost 90lbs
5 years ago I met Charles D'Angelo–my life coach who taught me how to manage food in my life and got me to a point that I could start participating in these type of events. There is no way I could do this 90+ pounds heavier. Truly life changing.
teamed up with a local bike shop
This is a picture of the vest I will be wearing during the upcoming Triple Bypass race. It was designed by my good friend Elise Edman at Swim Bike Run. It was inspired by her "Ying Ying Ying" street wear line and came right from the heart. What an amazing talent! It honors the people we have lost to suicide and those who have attempted, but survived to help others.
love and support
My family and friends, especially my wife Michele, daughter Diana and her husband Andrew, have given me constant support and incentive to remain as healthy as I can. I am so blessed to have them in my life.
"I won't be alone on July 22nd. Whether I ride, bike, or swim–Kevin is always with me."
my upcoming race won't be easy, but i'm ready...
This will most likely be the last endurance challenge I do for youth mental health. My age and common sense tell me this might even be too much! LOL! I won't know until I get there.
The ride covers a distance of 118 miles, over 3 mountain passes (Juniper, Loveland and Vail) with a total altitude ascent of 11,000 ft. The distance and climbs should be manageable but the altitude and weather are always a question mark. My good friends Tony Torrente and Bert Kembitzky have done this ride in the past and have given me a lot of encouragement and guidance on how to plan and condition. This has been a huge help because this course is very humbling, to say the least.
These challenges are always inspired by our late son Dr. Kevin Dietl, who left this earth far too early. This race won't be easy, but with the support of so many–I'm ready.
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