FAIRFAX, Va. – On October 4th, George Mason Athletics hosted Mark and Kym Hilinski as they discussed the foundation they started after their son, Tyler, former Washington State quarterback, died by suicide in 2018. It's a story they have told for more than three years to student-athletes across the country with a mission of educating and advocating for mental health and wellness.
 
Hilinski's Hope Foundation was started as a non-profit organization formed to promote awareness and education of mental health and wellness for student-athletes. Their vision is to help universities save lives, eliminate stigma, and scale mental wellness programs for student-athletes.  
 
His parents thought that something like this would never happen as everyone around him loved him and how much of a positive impact he made on everyone's life. They shared Tyler's story and how even the people that seemed the best can be troubled. They mentioned some key points: "You don't need a tragedy for help" and "Therapy is for everyone."
 
We asked Manya Puppione, the head women's soccer coach, why it was important to host something like this. She said, "We appreciate Mark and Kym coming to Mason athletics to share their story about their son Tyler. It's important for Mason and athletic departments to continue to have the conversation about mental health and wellness and to give families like the Hilinski's the platform to bring forth mental health awareness and resources to student-athletes, coaches, and support staff. We all must make a collective effort to negate the stigma there is in talking about mental health. Just because we compete at a high level, push through strenuous workouts, and bear the stress load of being a student-athlete, doesn't mean we can't be affected by mental health struggles and illness. We will continue to have conversations, provide support and resources and do what we can to fight this battle together."
 
In the wake of multiple student-athletes across the nation dying by suicide, Dr Vigon, Mason Athletics Coordinator of Psychology, and licensed clinical sport psychologist arranged for the foundation to present to Mason student athletes on the importance of suicide prevention strategies, increasing awareness, and decreasing mental health stigma.
 
For additional information about the Hilinski's Hope Foundation, click here.

If you are a student-athlete that is struggling or are aware of someone needing confidential support, please contact Dr. Vigon or GMU Counseling and Psychological Services at 703-993-2380. Or, reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or at 988LIFELINE.org.