ABC7 Localish "Chicago Mom Encourages Dialogue After Son's Suicide

Thank you to ABC7 Localish for sharing our story and helping others understand the importance of our mission.

Watch the segment on ABC7 here>

Excerpt from the segment:

Bullying is an issue most parents feel they could do better addressing according to a new survey from Lurie Children's Hospital.

Dr. Colleen Cicchetti, executive director of the hospital's Center for Childhood Resilience, said the cyber world makes it easier for kids to hide warning signs.

"It's harder for parents to see those differences when all of those connections are happening on technology that parents aren't monitoring," Cicchetti explained.

Cicchetti also encourages having conversations with children about negative emotions starting at a young age. That way, kids can learn about healthy outlets for such feelings. She also offers a familiar piece of advice: keep a dialogue open at the dinner table, asking about your kids' day.

As Gabriel's Light begins its journey, Deely hopes lifting the curtain can be one legacy of the silly, smiling boy she lost too soon.

"Just choose kindness. It doesn't cost anything and you can totally make somebody's day," she said.

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About Gabriel's Light

In 2019, Carol and Brendan Deely founded Gabriel’s Light in honor of their son who died by suicide at age 12. In honor of Gabe and all those lost to suicide, they share their journey with the hope that others may learn and grow from their tragedy. Focusing on three pillars of cyber safety, suicide prevention, and kindness campaigns, through outreach, programs, partnerships, and funding, they raise awareness and inspire youth, parents, and educators to take action and help forward their mission.