Mental Health Matters 5k

Kyle Johnson had a profound impact on many people in his 19 years, both in his hometown of North Attleboro, MA, and across the two campuses of Keene State College and Bridgewater State University. To know Kyle was to know goodness. He was a special soul with a special heart, and he will always be remembered for his love of his family and friends, his passion for helping others, and his amazing sense of humor and contagious laugh. To some people, Kyle was the funniest friend they knew, and his infectious laugh and smile welcomed everyone in. He made friends laugh with his quick wit and humor; he knew how to turn the mundane into something hilarious and memorable, and his sense of humor and great laugh could make anyone’s day better.

Sadly, In 2019, he took his own life. In a final letter written by Kyle the day he took his own life, he stressed the importance of raising awareness for mental health. In the letter, he also encouraged whoever is struggling with mental illness to seek help and never stop fighting the disease. When Mr. and Mrs. Johnson read that letter written by Kyle, they wanted to fulfill Kyle's wishes, and soon after, his parents created the KyleCares Project, also known as the Kyle Johnson Foundation. Today, KyleCares is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting open and honest communication about the mental health challenges experienced by teens and young adults in today’s society.