CHENEY, Wash. — The organization, Hilinski’s Hope, visited the EWU campus on Monday to share messages of support and encouragement with student athletes during Student Athlete Mental Health Awareness Week.
Mark and Kym Hilinski founded The Hilinski’s Hope Foundation in 2019 to travel the country and advocate for mental health in high schools and universities.
The organization was founded in memory of their son, Tyler, who died by suicide in 2018.
Tyler was the quarterback for WSU football and was adored by his friends, family and teammates.
Mark and Kym said his sudden death was difficult to process.
“We struggle with living every day without him, and we knew we had to put purpose to our pain,” they said.
Since the organization’s founding, Mark and Kym have hosted over 300 “Tyler Talks” around the nation to raise awareness of athletes’ mental health.
“You have to be somewhat of a leader to speak up and talk about this, but the chance that you could help somebody life or save somebody’s life is too great a win to not talk about it,” said Mark.
Mark and Kym said “Tyler Talks,” like the one hosted at EWU, are meant to be a safe space to process thoughts and feelings.
“You need to take care of your mental health, whether you are struggling or not, it’s okay to ask for help,” said Kym.
They also said meeting with the students has helped their mental health as well.
“Being with our student athletes is therapy for us too. Helping people can help you too,” they said.
For more information on Hilinski’s Hope Foundation, click here.
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