Maddie's Legacy: Inspiring Change and Awareness

Today marks four months since the heartbreaking loss of my beloved daughter, Maddie. Not a single hour passes without thoughts of her crossing my mind, but during this time of the month, the emotional weight feels especially heavy. Her brothers and mom also feel the intensity of emotions running high.

I've been at the cottage with the boys for the past week. While I adore this place, an unmistakable void can never be filled. Maddie's 14-year-old cousin, Emma, is here with us. This is where their friendship flourished, and despite the laughter that still resonates, we all sense that something will always be missing. Our cottage trips will be forever without Maddie and Emma's mischievous adventures and endless evening entertainment.

Amid our activities, there is always a brief pause. We seldom acknowledge it explicitly, but we all know that Maddie's absence is painfully conspicuous. Whether it was her infectious laughter, irreverent comments that mirrored mine, or her penchant for breaking away from the norm, this was her sanctuary where she felt at ease. Maddie was fortunate to have two family cottages, one on Stoney Lake and one on Baptiste Lake, but our visits to both will forever carry a different tone for each of us.

Last weekend, the boys and I visited Stoney Lake, Maddie's mom's cottage, for the Stoney Sprint. It was a place where our family spent countless hours and where the kids found solace after our separation. Returning to Stoney Lake for the first time since 2010 held deep significance. Stoney Lake is steeped in tradition, with families spanning generations. Familiar faces from past years were present, but Stoney Sprint had a distinct aura this year. There was a mix of enthusiastic participation in the run and a sombre undertone because Maddie had actively participated in past regattas, Mile Swims, and various lake activities. Stoney Lake had lost one of its own, and everyone felt the impact.

A raffle was organized to support The Maddie Project, and the response was overwhelming. People from Stoney Lake and the surrounding community generously donated incredible prizes, and tickets were eagerly purchased. The cause resonated with everyone because Maddie's death touched many lives. When Maddie's mom, Nicole, passionately spoke about The Maddie Project at the Stoney Sprint, her words affected everyone present. Many of us knew Maddie and the German family personally, and many of us had experienced the effects of teenage mental illness and depression in some way. The Stoney Sprint raffle raised over $12,000 for The Maddie Project.

To date, The Maddie Project has raised more than $150,000, creating awareness and providing support for families with teenagers facing depression and mental illness. Conversations about these issues occur among friends, families, and mental health professionals. We know at least ten teens who have bravely raised their hands and sought help navigating life's challenges.

The Stoney Sprint is just one initiative among several others in progress. We are making a tangible difference, and themaddieproject.ca has become a platform for creating awareness and dismantling mental illness stigma.

A few weeks ago, after a long, sweaty mountain bike ride, I encountered a volunteer canvassing for CAMH (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health) at my doorstep. CAMH is an extraordinary organization supporting thousands of Canadians with mental health issues. As we conversed, I expressed my support for CAMH and shared that we had recently lost our daughter to depression, leading us to establish The Maddie Project. His surprise was evident when I revealed the foundation's name. He shook my hand vigorously and exclaimed, "You're Maddie's Dad?!" He commended our efforts, stating that they were fans of our actions.

Most of the credit should go to Maddie's mom, her friends, and their parents, who have wholeheartedly embraced the cause with passion and dedication.

To those who doubt our impact, I urge them to look at the teens who have raised their hands for help, witness the passion fueling The Maddie Project, and acknowledge the continuously growing funds that support this incredible cause.

Yes, I am Maddie's Dad, and I couldn't be prouder to have a daughter who has inspired so many!

Please share this message and help spread the word about the difference we are making!

This year, similar to previous years since Maddie’s passing, Robert Agouri is captaining Team Maddie Project for the Rally in the Ravine in conjunction with the North York General Hospital Foundation. All proceeds go to supporting youth mental health initiatives. Please join me in supporting this amazing and powerful cause. Thank you in advance for your support.