ACelebration of Life is a movement focused on inspiring hope and at the same time remembering lives that have been lost to suicide. The evening creates special moments and appreciation for life while raising funds to support Minding Your Mind’s mental health education programs. By attending this hallmark event, you will make an immediate impact in the lives of students and communities in the greater Philadelphia region.
A Celebration of Life: Philadelphia
2023 Committee
Pat Scher, Chairman Carolyn Andruszko Drew Bergman
Emily Knowles Lanie Latsios Molly Leighton Tom Leighton
Sam Mattern Bridget Merenda Kevin Murphy Andrew Onimus
Laura Onimus Vince Peruto Rachel Potts Maddie Quirk
Samantha Snyder Hannah Vrancken Austin Wetterau
We are proud to honor
Kathy Killian Vice President, Administration Philadelphia Phillies
2023 Recipient of the Minding Your Mind Changing Minds Award
Kathy Killian has been instrumental in the success of the A Celebration of Life: Philadelphia since the event’s inception in 2016. She has fused her advocacy for understanding mental health with her position at the Philadelphia Phillies, establishing the Strike Out the Stigma mental health education initiative with Phillies Community Outreach and Minding Your Mind. For her dedication to Minding Your Mind, her vision of growing the involvement of young professionals in mental health philanthropy, and her commitment to the Philadelphia community and all in the MLB network, we will gratefully honor Kathy at this year’s A Celebration of Life: Philadelphia.
History of A Celebration of Life
A Celebration of Life began in 2011 to honor the memory of Kyle Craig, a 21-year-old student at Vanderbilt University who took his life in May of 2010. Kyle was a dynamic friend to many; a bright, handsome, and gifted individual across music and athletics, but whose strength of character enabled his growing struggles to be hidden from view.
In the 12 years since it began in Nashville, this annual event has expanded to New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia, engaging thousands of young professionals in the service of suicide prevention and mental health awareness.