The Why Behind the Light
The Why
Behind the Light
Aidan’s Light was born from heartbreak—and built on hope. On July 27, 2020, Aidan Hegge died by suicide. He was 17 years old. He had a big smile, a generous heart, and a quiet sensitivity that made people feel seen. In the weeks following his passing, a close friend shared a poem Aidan had written —The Light Inside. In just a few lines, Aidan captured what we now hold at the center of everything we do: the belief that there is light in every person, even when it feels small or fading.
His words have become our foundation, and we carry this poem forward as a reminder of the light Aidan saw in others — and the light we continue to share.
where our hope lives on
The Light Inside
There is a light inside us all,
Some are big and bright,
Some are small and dull.
Some just turned on,
Some are old and going out.
But it’s there.
That light is beautiful,
No matter who owns that light.
It’s there for a reason,
Don’t forget your light;
- Aidan hegge
After Aidan’s death, our family made a promise: his light wouldn’t go out. We knew we had to take our grief and turn it into something that could help others. Together — with our sons Brody, Noah, and Caleb — we began to imagine what it would look like to support other families, reach young people struggling with mental health, and bring these conversations into the light. The name Aidan’s Light was actually inspired by Brody, whose idea helped shape the heart of this mission.
We are a small but passionate team, grounded in personal experience, driven by love, and committed to changing the narrative around mental health. Everything we do is in honor of Aidan and for the many others who still need to know they’re not alone.
Meet Our Board Members
Jennifer and Ryan are the heart behind Aidan’s Light. After losing their son Aidan to suicide, they made a promise to turn their grief into something that could help others. With personal experiences of navigating both mental health challenges and unimaginable loss, they founded Aidan’s Light to bring hope, support, and awareness to families, schools, and communities. Their commitment to breaking the stigma and saving lives drives every aspect of this mission.
founders/parents of aidan
Sarah is a coworker and close friend of Jennifer’s. She is deeply passionate about the importance of mental health and brings both heart and insight to everything she does.
Board member
Sarah O'Brien
Jennifer & Ryan Hegge
A longtime family friend who has been with the Hegge family since day one of their loss, Andria continues to be a steady support and advocate for their work.
Board member
Andria Jensen
Dawn is the mother of Sean, Aidan’s best friend. She has walked closely with the Hegge family and is deeply committed to making sure no other family has to experience this kind of loss.
Board member
Dawn Inman
Longtime friends of the Jen and Ryan, Corey and Lisa have known the family for over 30 years. As parents of four sons themselves, they’ve been unwavering in their support and dedication to this cause.
Board members
Corey & Lisa Heimer
Barb is a close friend of the Hegge family and a passionate mental health advocate. She brings energy, drive, and a get-it-done attitude to every project.
Board member
Barb Keller
