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Ben Miura

A personal campaign sponsored by Rachel Miura

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Ben was my younger brother, we were four years apart. We grew up as most siblings do, sometimes playing really well with each other and other times getting into petty fights. During the summer we would swim in the pool together, play around on our swing-set, and run in the yard with our dog. We had a long hill in the front yard that we would ride down full speed on a wagon and crash at the bottom so we didn't cross the street into the neighbor's yard. He also loved going to the beach. He would collect the largest and ugliest of sea creatures that he could find washed up on the sand. In the winter he loved playing in the snow, making snowmen or igloos. We always had a huge pile of snow at the top of the driveway from the snow plow truck and he would dig all day long so there was a cozy place to hide inside. 
 
During these years he always had a lot of energy. He was outgoing, playful and would get into trouble (as most boys do). I was always the much shier one, and kept to myself around strangers. I remember every week my mom would take us to the grocery store and there would be a lady in the corner of the store who would give kids a free cookie. One day she was in the back and as my brother and I approached the counter to pick out our cookie, I quickly realized she was busy and turned around saying "Actually I don't want one today." He looked at me and said "C'mon Rachel, don't be shy," and led me to the counter. All the shoppers around us were there to witness my brother's heroism and my own vulnerability. They smiled and commented to my mom how cute that moment was. I, however, felt extreme embarrassment as well as anger towards Ben for not believing that I wasn't hungry that day. In truth though, I did want that cookie. And with him by my side, my cheeks bright red, we went to the counter and got one.
 
As we got older, we played together less and our sibling rivalry faded. Our relationship changed such that it was no longer two children growing up, but two siblings maturing. He was good at listening and taking my advise (or at least making me feel as if I was being listened to). If I felt something needed to be done around the house-such as taking the trash out or washing the dishes-I would tell him to take care of it. Without questioning or arguing he would respond with a simple "Ok," and move on. 
 
Unlike his years as a boy, he was quieter as a teenager. Although he kept to himself he always carried a big heart. A friend of mine once told a story in which my brother was sitting on the couch with our family dog, Kona. My brother did not know anyone else was around as he was petting Kona, and he gave her a kiss on the head. He always loved the two dogs that we grew up with very much.
 
I think the happiest moments that my brother had were his times with his friends. My mom told me about the day that she dropped him off at Delhi University, just a week and a half before he passed away. They shared a hug, said goodbye and departed separate ways.  As she was leaving the student union she spotted him in a room with other new students with a smile on his face. That is the image that she will remember him with and I hope his friends and family will also remember him with a smile as well.
 
He was born on April 18th, 1995 and passed away on September 8th, 2015 at the age of 20. He struggled with mental illness and depression starting in high school. His treatment had its ups and downs but he was headed on the right track as he began his first semester at Delhi. After several days in this new environment, he became defiant and was unable to recognize or express his downward spiral. The disease quickly over took him and without much warning to those who loved him, he did the unimaginable. We created this campaign in order to raise money and donate to suicide prevention through the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention (AFSP). My family and I hope that these donations will help others struggling with the same issues that my brother did and to help save lives. AFSP also hosts many community walks which we encourage others to participate in for the benefit of those who need help.