Ryan Reeb Foundation Story  

Ryan Joseph Reeb died by suicide on October 10, 2016, at the age of 20, going to heaven to be with his dad and best friend, Ralph. Ryan showed no outward signs of suicidal thoughts or depression.

Ryan’s reach was beyond his family and friends. Ryan touched every part of the world around him. His kindness, love, silliness, smile, and “moves” made a difference in so many lives, far beyond Ryan ever realized. In honor and celebration of Ryan’s life, Sarah and I, along with family and friends, have planned a dance to raise awareness for mental illness and suicide.

To say he lived life to its’ fullest would be an understatement. Anyone who met Ryan was his friend. He was accepting and caring, without exception, and always put others first. He was one of those unique people who bridged social groups and linked friendships for life. He brought light and laughter to every situation.

Ryan loved to dance. He danced everywhere. He danced with me in the kitchen and taught me, or tried to teach me, how to ‘dab.’ I think every wall in the house was touched by him showing us how to twerk. It is only my guess that he practiced his ‘moves’ in front of the bathroom mirror and in the shower! If there was music and Ryan was around, he would be dancing. One summer he cleared out the garage, put up a disco ball, and had a dance at the house. Ryan graduated form Liberty Union High School where he attended every prom and homecoming dance from his freshman to senior year.

Our hope is to bring mental illness into the light by opening doors of communication, ridding the mind set of “crazy,” and helping educate our friends, family, and community about mental illness. We hope to help identify suicidal signs and where to find help. Our goal is to help others find their way out of the darkness.

In this spirit we will be donating proceeds to the Signs of Suicide Program (SOS), administered through New Horizons of Fairfield County. SOS brings suicide prevention programs into Fairfield County school districts.

- Trudy Reeb and Sarah Ball

Ryan was a friend to everyone he met, no matter what friend group you were a part of he brought you into his group. His ultimate goal was to make sure everyone around him was having a good time . Growing up I was very much stuck in my comfort zone. Ryan was able to bring me out of my shell and introduce to the great wonders our world. I owe much of the man I am today to Ryan and his jovial nature.

Even now going on a decade out of high school, Ryan and I’s friend group still holds strong due to the incredible bond we formed during his life and through the tragedy of losing him. Ryan’s family and friends still struggle with his loss, and will forever be learning how to live life to its fullest in his honor. I will forever be grateful for the friends Ryan introduced me to and the memories he gave me. From countless Lake-house nights to the incredible Fripp Island trips Ryan and his family invited us to join them on, I will forever have memories to look fondly on.

I know that the world lost an incredible person the day we lost Ryan. I wish he was here to this day spreading his caring and amiable personality to more and more people. We need people like Ryan who raise those around them up. This is why we continue to run Ryan’s Rave to Save. The need for mental health care and assistance is as important, if not moreso, than physical healthcare. Without a healthy state of being, you lose out on the incredible moments life offers.

All that said, we ask that you again to join us for a night of fun and laughter with friends, to honor Ryan’s memory and raise donations for New Horizons “Signs of Suicide (SOS)” Program. The work they accomplish in Fairfield County schools educating children on mental health and suicide prevention is vital. We must do everything we can to stop the world from losing more Ryans by helping kids know they are not alone in this world and will always have love and support. Remember to take care of those around you, you never know what they are going through. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you at the 6th Annual Ryan’s Rave to Save!

- Andrew Winchell