My name is Kandie Arnold. On July 15, 2026, I lost my 29-year-old son, Austin, to suicide, just two weeks before his 30th birthday.

Austin was so much more than the struggles he faced toward the end of his life. He was my son, a father, a brother, a carpenter, and someone who could make people laugh. He loved drawing, music, working with his hands, dirt bikes and being outdoors. Most importantly, he was the father of two beautiful little girls, Marcella, 10, and Lily, 5.

I have had legal custody of Marcella and Lily since 2023, and they live with me full time. Before we lost Austin, we were working toward a plan for him to live in the separate upstairs portion of my home and share responsibility for household expenses while we worked toward joint custody of his daughters. We were trying to build a future in which we could raise the girls together.

Losing Austin changed that future overnight. I am now not only trying to find my way through the grief of losing my son, but also helping his daughters grieve the loss of their daddy while doing everything I can to give them the stability, security and childhood they deserve.

I am currently unable to work and have documentation from my physician confirming this. Without the help Austin had planned to contribute toward our household, I am now trying to maintain our home and meet the everyday needs of two growing girls on my own. Assistance with expenses such as our mortgage and utilities would give our family some financial stability and allow me to focus on caring for Marcella and Lily as we adjust to a future none of us expected.

Austin's ashes are still here at home with me. I also hope to have his memorial and burial around the first anniversary of his death and give him a permanent resting place close to our home and family.

Asking for help is not easy for me. My hope is to keep a secure home for Austin's girls, give Austin the resting place he deserves, and help Marcella and Lily grow up knowing that their father's life was so much bigger than the way we lost him. Any support given to our family will help us find some stability while we learn how to carry Austin with us into the life ahead. Thank you.