Dear friend,

My husband, Chris Hixon, was a teacher, coach, and parent who gave his life trying to protect students during the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

Chris believed deeply in the power of partnership between families and educators to support kids not only academically, but emotionally and mentally, too. As a teacher with over 30 years of classroom experience and a board member of Stand With Parkland, I carry that belief with me every day.

National Youth Violence Prevention Week begins tomorrow. As we approach it, I want to speak directly to parents and teachers: We’re in this together.

We know early intervention, communication, and mental health awareness can make a life-saving difference. That’s why we’re sharing these trusted tools with families and schools across the country:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988 for free, 24/7 support.
• National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) — nctsn.org offers trauma-informed resources for families and schools.
• Be SMART Campaign — besmartforkids.org links secure gun storage to youth suicide prevention.

Friend, these are more than just links. They are lifelines. And they’re most powerful when we use them together.

If you believe in this mission, I hope you’ll join us in expanding this work. Your donation helps us connect more families and schools with the resources that can truly make a difference. Make a gift today >>

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These resources reflect what Chris and I both believed: we must look out for one another, and that real school safety means working together and prioritizing meaningful care.

We owe it to our students, and to each other, to build stronger, safer communities rooted in care and connection.

Thank you,

Debbi Hixon
Board Member, Stand With Parkland
Wife of Chris Hixon, Coach and Hero