Shining a light on mental health

Our brilliant sunshine, Anastasia Gumbel, left us at age 18 after fighting a mighty battle against depression. We followed the experts’ advice to the best of our ability. Our family fought the battle together. We all adored this kind, generous, talented, extraordinary human more than we can express. We lost our child to suicide on February 3, 2024. Despite LOVE, therapy, hospitalizations, medicine management, advocacy, treatment at world renowned facilities, switching schools, and using different names, this precious life ended.

In our search for meaning, we decided to use her light to help others. Anastasia ALWAYS wanted to help others. She welcomed outsiders, calmed newcomers, and instilled faith in people who didn’t think they could make their dreams come true. During her brief life, the parents of loved ones she aided would tell us how much she helped their child. We strive to continue shining her light, so we have created our non-profit, Anastasia’s Light, Inc.

It felt like many of the “experts” did not lead us well. We are raising awareness by telling our story. We hope to also raise funds to support alternative therapies that may be helpful. As our organization grows, maybe the change we can offer will grow as well.

In an effort to raise funds in support of individuals seeking alternative therapies, we held our first annual Tread for Tomorrow. Often, it felt like Anastasia was struggling to keep her head above the deep well of depression. As a water polo and swim family, we tried to create a fun, pool-based event to appeal to water polo players, swimmers, and anyone else who was moved to join us.

It was an incredibly healing event for our family, and the funds raised were donated to create the Anastasia's Light Mental Health Scholarship at MTR Horses That Heal.

We are looking forward to our 2027 Tread for Tomorrow on March 13, and we hope you'll join us!