In a remarkable tale of resilience, a Surrey mother, Charlene Abdul, has transformed her grief into a powerful platform for change, advocating for youth mental health awareness following the tragic loss of her 15-year-old son, Tyler.

Charlene describes Pilates as her sanctuary, saying, "It's like therapy to me." After Tyler's heartbreaking death in November, she found solace and strength through her Pilates practice, which she hopes to share with others in need.

Once broken and at a loss, Charlene reflects, "I didn’t think I would ever laugh again." Yet, through her supportive Pilates community, she began to piece her life back together. Now, she is determined to use her passion to help others heal.

In memory of her son, she established the Tyler Abdul Foundation, dedicated to shining a light on youth mental health concerns—a mission born from the depths of her sorrow. She underscores the reality, stating, "There’s a mental health crisis among our youth, and we are losing them to this tragedy far too often."

To further her cause, Charlene is organizing a remarkable event: a 24-hour Pilates marathon on October 4. She invites fellow instructors to join her in holding classes throughout the day and night, all aimed at raising funds for her foundation.

Charlene emphasizes, "Suicide knows no boundaries; it doesn't care about race, class, or religion. This crisis is indiscriminate, and we must come together to combat it." Her story is a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle many families face and the urgent need for collective action in support of our youth.