Hilinski’s Hope Foundation Shares Encouraging Message with Students, Community

“If you don’t remember anything else from this talk, I hope you get one thing from me,” Mark Hilinski told an audience of Anderson High School students Tuesday. “You don’t need to experience tragedy to ask for help.”

Mark and Kym Hilinski delivered three engaging, inspiring and hope-filled Tyler Talks on Monday, March 4 and Tuesday, March 5. They created the Hilinski’s Hope Foundation to share the story of their son Tyler, who died by suicide in 2018. The organization's mission has three key components, a nod to the jersey number Tyler wore while playing football at Washington State University.

“The point of this Tyler Talk is hope,” Mark Hilinski said.

“With that hope there is help, and you’re surrounded by it here,” Kym Hilinski told students.

Hilinski’s Hope is focused on raising awareness of suicide and mental health challenges, reducing the stigma associated with mental illness and connecting students and schools to resources that can help.

The Hilinskis spoke to all Anderson High School students over two days, and they also led a Tyler Talk that was open to all Forest Hills School District students, families, staff and community members. These events were made possible through a generous grant from the Forest Hills Foundation for Education.

“We are so fortunate to be able to welcome Hilinski’s Hope to Anderson High School and Forest Hills School District,” AHS Principal Kyle Fender said. “Our students and community were truly able to benefit from hearing about the importance of continuous, positive messaging around mental health and the steps we can all take to help our kids be safe.”

“What happened to Mark and Kym Hilinksi’s family is unthinkable. The death of their child by suicide. A beloved, high-achieving, talented child with so much in front of him,” AHS Counselor Chris DeLotell said. “What happened is unspeakable. Except, they’ve chosen to speak about it, over and over, with grace, humility, passion and care—with a message of hope and encouragement. They’ve chosen to speak about it so that other families will not have to experience the unthinkable, and so that the unspeakable will not have the last word.”

Each presentation included important reminders about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources for individuals or loved ones. The Lifeline is available anytime by call or text.

FHSD also has a variety of resources available to students who may be struggling. The Wellness section of the district website includes information about school-based supports, mental health resources and much more.

While the Hilinski’s Hope Foundation has a focus on student-athletes, Mark and Kym Hilinski approach their Tyler Talks from the perspective that their son Tyler was a student before he was a student-athlete, and that all students are members of groups or teams in their lives. Mark and Kym encouraged students to talk to others they trust if they are struggling, and to not think they are being “tough” by trying to deal with things on their own.

“I don’t want you to struggle or suffer in silence and not reach out for help,” Kym Hilinski said.