Carrying Gordon’s Light: Speaking, Healing, and Fighting the Stigma of Suicide
/Over the last few weeks, I’ve had the humbling honor of sharing Gordon’s story and mission through the Gordon Corsetti Mental Agility Foundation with students at The University of South Carolina and The University of Georgia. What made these events even more meaningful was the incredible group that brought me in: The Fight Against Suicide, an organization founded by one of Gordon’s former players, Cooper Heath, along with David Edmiston, Jackson Stuart, and a growing team of energetic, passionate young men and women who are changing the world, one campus at a time.
The Fight Against Suicide: Young Leaders Taking Action
Cooper Heath, a player I had the privilege to coach at the Marist School, was a remarkable athlete, tough, smart, driven, but it's his heart and purpose today that truly make me proud. Alongside his co-founders, Cooper has helped create something truly powerful in The Fight Against Suicide, an organization that hosts week-long awareness events at universities across the country, culminating in a unique and compelling way: a fraternity-run boxing tournament to spark conversations around mental health and tear down the stigma surrounding suicide.
These events are held in honor of the Sam Asbury Foundation (samasburyfoundation.org), another incredible initiative that supports youth mental health in memory of a beloved son lost too soon. The courage it takes to build these programs, to stand up publicly, and to fight for awareness — it’s nothing short of extraordinary.
If you haven't yet, please take a moment to learn more about what they're doing at
thefightagainstsuicide.com. I promise you’ll walk away inspired.
SAP & AFSP: A Moment of Unity and Healing:
In addition to these student-led efforts, I had the honor of joining SAP’s “Talk Saves Lives” Summit in partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) at the SAP Alpharetta office.
My dear friend Roland Brand graciously moderated the event and shared the following: “I was incredibly honored to moderate the SAP/AFSP Talk Saves Lives event at our SAP Alpharetta office yesterday. Thank you Chelsea Piatt, Programs Manager for the AFSP Georgia Chapter, for your insightful presentation on suicide awareness and prevention. Thank you to our wonderful group of panelists for sharing their personal stories of loss, Lisa McCann, Founder of The James Henry McCann IV Foundation; Jim Ford, Crisis Counselor at Crisis Text Line and Board Member of AFSP Georgia Chapter; and Diane Gillen, AFSP National Loss and Healing Council. A special recognition to Lou Corsetti, Founder of the Gordon Corsetti Mental Agility Foundation at mentallyagile.com for attending the event on short notice and sharing his experience. Last, but not least, a special note to my dear friend and colleague, Denise Cunningham, for bringing together our panel and organizing this incredible event. ”These moments of vulnerability, shared grief, hope, and purpose remind us that the healing we seek begins with conversation, compassion, and community.
Walk With Us: AFSP Cherokee County Out of the Darkness Walk:
As this mission continues, I invite you to join us at the upcoming AFSP Cherokee County Out of the Darkness Walk on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Etowah River Park, Canton, GA. Event Info & Registration: Cherokee County Out of the Darkness Walk
These walks are not just symbolic they are powerful acts of solidarity, remembrance, and advocacy. As I reflect on these past few weeks, I'm reminded that Gordon’s story is not one of just loss, but of legacy. Through young leaders like Cooper and organizations like AFSP, his message is reaching hearts across the country. At 65, I’m far from done. There is more light to share, more lives to touch, and more change to make.
Thank you for walking with me, and with Gordon as we continue to shine that light into the darkness.
With grace and gratitude,
Lou Corsetti
The Gordon Corsetti Mental Agility Foundation
Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for help. In an emergency, please call 911.
If you or someone you know is seeking help for mental health concerns, visit the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) website, or call 1-800-950-NAMI(6264).
For confidential treatment referrals, visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website, or call the National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP(4357).
