"They say you die twice. One time when you stop breathing and a second time, a bit later on, when somebody says your name on Earth for the last time.”

January 23rd, 2024 marks the six year anniversary of when a beautiful and brilliant young woman named Ella Thomas died by suicide. Last year, Ella's mother Martha Thomas joined Ashley and Lisa for an unforgettable conversation about love, loss and the incredible light her daughter brought to the world in the midst of her own darkness. Today we are revisiting some of that powerful interview as a way to help keep Ella’s name and memory alive.

You'll laugh as you hear Lisa McCaffrey describe how her friendship with Martha began on a recruiting trip for their sons at Stanford. You'll be inspired when you find out how Martha, her husband Chris, and their son Solomon channeled their grief into a higher purpose, as they work tirelessly to ensure no family has to suffer the pain and loss of losing a child to suicide.

To learn more about the critical work the Thomas family is doing around suicide prevention and mental health, please visit thedefensiveline.org. And if you or anyone you know is in crisis, text the word home to 741741.

We continue to hold the Thomas family and all those who are grieving a loved one in our hearts.