We recently connected with Josh Anderson and have shared our conversation below.

Josh, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

The mission of JJ’s Hello Foundation is to prevent youth suicide, promote mental health awareness, and create a message of hope for pre-teens, teens, and young adults in our community.

JJ’s Hello Foundation is a national foundation that will assist schools and community organizations in developing, facilitating, funding, and executing programs, activities, workshops, and events designed to help educate parents, children, teachers, school administrators, and other members of the community about the causes, signs, and prevention of youth suicide. Through our website and other community activities, JJ’s Hello Foundation will provide information about suicide prevention resources from local, state, and national organizations.

JJ’s Hello Foundation and his family hope that such activities and training will raise awareness about suicide, erase the stigmas associated with suicide discussion so that teens and young adults who are in crisis will not turn to suicide as the only answer and that friends, families, teachers and the community at large will recognize the signs and get them help before it’s too late.

JJ’s Hello Foundation encourages everyone to Listen and SPEAK UP to prevent youth suicide.

To the world, you may be one person, but to one person you are the world.

#sayhellosavealife

Josh, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Joshua JJ Anderson was 12 years old at the time of his passing. He was a straight A student attending Smedberg Middle School of the Elk Grove Unified School district in Sacramento California. He was active in school leadership, soccer club and a member of the Elk Grove Soccer League. JJ was a friend to many, a shoulder to lean on and a smiling face in the community. He loved riding his bike, playing soccer and spending hours on the computer or Xbox in his free time. Over 500 friends and family members attended his memorial which was standing room only. He was laid to rest at St Mary’s Cemetery in South Sacramento California. JJ has 5 siblings, 2 sisters Jeanette and Caelyn and 3 brothers Daniel, James and Jaxson. He is survived by his parents Josh And Michelle Anderson.
JJ unexpectedly took his own life on February 11th 2016 less than 1 month before his 13th birthday. At the time of his decision JJ was texting a friend and had mentioned that he was going to hurt himself. Unfortunately, by the time his friend let his family know what he was feeling it was too late. Once found by his parents JJ was immediately taken to Kaiser Hospital Roseville where he spent 3 days in the PICU (Pediatric intensive care unit) under the 24/ 7 care of their amazing nurses and doctors. Unfortunately, he was not able to recover from his injuries and he was pronounced on February 13th 2016. His organs were donated on February 14th 2016 (Valentines Day). In the end JJ helped save 2 lives because of his and his family’s generous donation.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

When we first started JJ’s Hello Foundation and did out first school presentation we questioned if we could continue doing it because it was extremely hard to relive the night he took his life. However over time we have learned how to take care of ourselves after each presentation by taking some time to ourselves, going for a walk, listening to music whatever we can do to re center ourselves.

How’d you meet your business partner?

My wife and I met in 2001 working retail for Toys R Us. At the time we were both dealing with the end of current relationships and we became close friends. Over time we realized that not only were we good friends but we also supported each other emotionally. We went on a few dates and now we have been together for over 20 years.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.hellofund.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jjshellofoundation/
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/jjshellofoundation
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-anderson-365753132/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/JJsHelloFund
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jjshellofoundation