Second Opinion Set Banner Image
.

Pat Dadey

Father to two beautiful girls

My name is Pat Dadey.  My daughter Makenna was 13 years old and an 8th grader at the Gates Chili Middle School.  On January 10, 2017 she died by suicide from her attempt two days after Christmas. We are just devastated by her loss.  She was a shining star in our lives and still is. Kenna’s younger sister Ryenne has been a bright light throughout this whole ordeal.  Such a sweet little girl who we are so proud of.  I know Kenna is not the only teenager to suffer with a Mental Illness.  Since this tragedy I have vowed to Kenna that I would do anything and everything I could to get the word out about Mental Health and Suicide Awareness Prevention in Rochester.  Since early 2017 we have raised funds in Kenna’s memory and donated them to her school.  We also assisted Gates Chili Central School in bringing Kevin Hines in to speak to the students and community members in February of 2018.  Kevin is a mental health advocate, global speaker, bestselling author and documentary filmmaker who reaches audiences all over the world with his story of an unlikely survival and his strong will to live.  This year we have chosen to donate part of the walk proceeds to The new Pediatric Behavioral Health & Wellness Center at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.  We are so lucky that Strong Hospital and Tom Golisano recognize the overwhelming need for this new Center and how much the families needing this service will benefit. You can follow our progress and events at www.walkforkenna.org

.