April Simpkins shared an incredibly close bond with her daughter, Cheslie Kryst. Cheslie battled mental illness for years, and on January 30, 2022, April’s life was forever changed when Cheslie succumbed to her illness and took her own life.
April and her husband made the courageous decision to share their story publicly, shedding light on the stigma surrounding mental illness. They appeared on the Emmy Award winning show Red Table Talk to talk about grief, loss, and Cheslie.
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After the episode aired, thousands of people reached out to share their own experiences. This confirmed April's path forward—becoming a dedicated mental health advocate, determined to break the stigma and create a space for open, honest conversations.
Mental Health
Advocate
Courtesy of Red Table Talk - YouTube
Founder and
CEO
In 2024 April Simpkins founded a non-profit to honor her daughter's legacy.
The Cheslie C. Kryst Foundation is dedicated to supporting non-profit organizations that aim to promote mental wellness among teens and young adults through the creative arts. We believe in the transformative power of art to heal and inspire, providing a vital outlet for self-expression and emotional well-being.
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All net proceeds from the sale of the book "By The Time You Read This - The Space Between Cheslie's Smile And Mental Illness."
In Honor Of Cheslie
Cheslie touched lives around the world. Her selflessness, compassion, and giving heart left an incredible legacy. Our family is honored to have endorsed the organizations below that have chosen to honor Cheslie by giving to others.
Click on the links below to learn more about the scholarships, funds, and generous organizations that have chosen to honor her.
