A note from Jessie...

In 2012, two days after Christmas, my husband Beau Grant took his own life.  He had a wife, two children and extended family on both sides that loved and supported him. He had a job, house, a car and a social life with friends he had known since childhood. 

Beau was one of a kind to us, and he was just like many people you know. He attended Peoria schools, met and married his high school sweetheart, and had the ability to make friends with everyone. He was a wonderful father to Eddie and Audrey and a loving husband. He enjoyed spending time with everyone he loved. His family and friends meant the world to him. Beau was passionate about sports, especially the Fighting Illini and the Fighting Irish. He enjoyed playing those sports with his friends, family and children.

The same love of sports influenced his parenting style, making him a true team player. We worked together so well. He had both Eddie and Audrey wrapped around his finger! They loved him just as much as he loved them. Beau was a proud dad. Beau was all of these things. He also suffered from depression and anxiety. 

Mental illness can be hard to identify and often misunderstood. Even though Beau was being treated, it just wasn't enough. Our lives were changed forever that morning. In the days following our devastating loss, I searched for some form of help for my children, but found no formal help available. My faith, family and an incredibly strong community helped us put one foot in front of the other. Not all people have the good fortune of these resources. Today, our area still has no formal help available for children who have tragically lost a parent to suicide. 

The Beau Grant Foundation's mission is to provide education and awareness for those who are survivors of suicide. The goals of the organization include establishing a social media presence and a website with resources for helping those in need. Our long term goals include a camp for area children who have lost a loved one, and an outreach program through primary care physicians to help support people with this mental illness. Also, for Eddie and Audrey, an education fund has been established. This will be used as a resource for tuition, books and other educational needs.

In 2014, a scholarship was established in memory of Beau Grant, a St. Philomena graduate. This scholarship is for an 8th grader attending Peoria Notre Dame and embodies the St. Philomena schools mission of bringing life to faith and faith to life. 

To help fund these efforts, a 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament takes place every spring with tremendous community support. Proceeds from this event will assist in reaching our foundation goals. Proceeds from the auction, raffle and 50/50 will benefit the education fund for our children. 

If you, or anyone you know, is having suicidal thoughts, please contact 1-800-784-2433 or reach out to a loved one. This is not the answer. Your life is worth living. You are not alone.     

How did the
Beau Grant foundation 
begin?