Sisterhood Spotlight

Tell us a little bit about your family and where you live in Virginia?

My husband, Kurt, and I met in college and married seven years later. We moved to Warrenton, VA when our son, Austin, was six months old. Soon after, we got the thrilling news we were expecting twins. Having three children in two years was pretty busy, but we loved the chaos!

Kurt and I were athletes growing up, and we believed raising children by exposing them to sports would be healthy for them for several reasons. So many life lessons can come from being a part of a team – structure, commitment, social skills, teamwork, compromise and empathy are just a few. Our children loved sports. All sports. There were times where we had to insist they take time off and just “be.” All three competed in college at every level from club to D1. They chose the level that was most beneficial to them and they were happy.

We were a typical family. We have a rather large, loving and supportive extended family where we often get together no matter where we resided around the county. Family vacations at the beach, ski trips, picnics and family reunions were commonplace. We have always considered ourselves fortunate to be a part of such a special, sometimes chaotic community.

Speaking more of family, can you share about your daughter, Morgan?

Morgan was born with a spark in her. I have often shared with new parents that the children they observe at the age of three is, at the core, the same person as they grow up – hopefully a bit more mature! This was Morgan. As a young child, she was focused, determined, outspoken, thoughtful, funny, creative and stubborn. These traits truly carried on throughout her life.  Her sense of humor was quick, witty and dry. Most people would often miss her jokes. Her love for sports began around three years old when she wanted to follow her brother in swimming, soccer, football and then ultimately lacrosse. We agreed to swimming and soccer at first and even at this young age, coaches would smile and mention she had that special aggressive and fearless confidence to have fun and be successful.

In the eighth grade, she had focused on playing lacrosse at the collegiate level. She attended Duke University Lacrosse camp and never looked back. We insisted that she consider other programs as well just in case Duke didn’t pan out. She did listen to us and visited several other schools, but never gave up on Duke. When the call came in with an offer, she was over the moon.  Once again, her goal was accomplished.

We know that Morgan is at the heart of Morgan’s message. Please explain the mission of the organization.

Morgan’s Message is building a community by and for student-athletes where stories, resources and expertise are used to confront student-athlete mental health challenges. We envision a future where the stigma surrounding mental health is eliminated, conversations are normalized, the treatment of physical and mental health is equalized and individuals who suffer in silence are empowered and those who feel alone are supported.

Can you share more about Morgan’s Message logo?

The logo was designed by a close family friend, Nick Birnie, following Morgan’s passing in July 2019. During her services on a family farm in Virginia, an uncountable number of butterflies appeared and lingered for the afternoon. The logo’s shape reflects this phenomenon while the details of the butterfly wings are Morgan’s artwork found in her personal sketchbook. The design and color scheme originated from her love of teal.

The butterfly’s body is represented by a semi-colon, which is used by writers in mid-sentence to suggest a thought can end here or it can continue; her story continues, as does Morgan’s spirit.

What are two or three things you’d like to share with other Virginia women about the threat of youth suicide?

My family had no history or education about mental illness. Although the signs Morgan revealed were subtle and at times invisible, if we were familiar with concerning indicators, I believe that would have potentially helped her situation. Education and awareness are incredibly valuable.  Learn more, listen, observe.

We had dinner almost every night together until college years. Even on game nights, we found the time to recap our days over a meal – even if it was 9 pm. We talked about everything. No topic was avoided or discouraged, including the hard ones like drugs, sex, pregnancy and relationships. The one topic never discussed was mental health. Again, this wasn’t avoided, it just never was relevant to our family or friends. Families need to make this relevant. With the stories of professional athletes who have come out publicly to reveal their struggles with their mental health, this is the PERFECT segue to bring up the topic. Please open the dialog and then listen closely to what your kids are saying and their perceptions. By doing this you are letting them know you are open to the topic and that it is up for discussion no matter what or when.

For Virginians wanting to take action, how can they be involved?

The largest obstacle to successfully addressing issues associated with mental health is awareness. If no one in your life is struggling, it can be difficult to recognize the signs of an individual grappling with a mental health challenge. As mentioned earlier, educate yourselves on warning signs, how to approach someone that has given you concern and the local resources you can provide if needed.

So, pay attention to your friends, your neighbors and your family members. Ask a friend if they are feeling alright and then sit back and listen. Tell them you have noticed concerning behaviors that are not typical of them. Don’t judge. Be understanding, if they open up to you.

Research organizations in your community that focus on behavioral health concerns and volunteer, if they offer a program that is of interest to you. The National Counsel for Mental Wellbeing offers a course called Mental Health First Aid for Youth, Teens or Adults. Consider taking this course. Just as a course in CPR doesn’t make you a paramedic, the MHFA courses don’t make you a Mental Health Professional; however, these types of courses provide you with ways you can help those in crisis situations.

About Dona Rodgers

Dona Rodgers, mother of Morgan, is Co-Founder, Board Chairwoman and President of Morgan’s Message, Inc. She grew up in Connecticut and was graduated from James Madison University where she was a member of the gymnastics team before early retirement due to injury.  She had the privilege of raising three children, Austin, Aberle and Morgan, before managing The Retreat at Eastwood, an event venue in Warrenton, Virginia. She currently resides in Warrenton with her husband, Kurt.