What was the turning point for you in deciding to publicly share Zach’s story?
In 2014, We did an episode of Windy City LIVE dedicated to mental health. My producer Marlaine Selip called me into her office and unbeknownst to me she knew about the loss of my brother. She asked me if I would be willing to share this publicly, and my initial reaction was no, I’m not ready. It had been 5 years since my brother’s passing and it was not something I ever talked about publicly. Marlaine was very strong-willed and adamant that this was something that could help a lot of people. I took some time and spoke to my mom about it to make sure she was ok with it. I remember she said, “If you think it will help other families from going through this pain then I want you to do it.” I was incredibly nervous and unsettled about the idea of talking about it publicly. There was a lot of anxiety and thoughts about backing out all the way up to the day of the show. To this day, It’s the most difficult thing I’ve ever done on TV. I was overwhelmed by the letters that poured in the following week of people sharing their own stories and their own pain. Hearing so many stories similar to mine inspired me to get involved with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. I have spoken at the annual Out of the Darkness Walk in Chicago a couple of times and attend the walk each year. My mom flew out to Chicago and attended as well; it was definitely cathartic for her to be among 5,000 people strong who have all lost children or loved ones to suicide.