Hi everyone,

My name is Simone Goldsmith. I'm 23 years old and from Australia but am currently living in the US.

I'm in the process of launching a storytelling project called Our New Lives. It aims to provide inspiration, information and comfort to young people who have lost a loved one. By offering interesting yet honest discussion, it strives to break the silence on death, grief and recovery.

My inspiration for this project stemmed from the death of my gorgeous older sister two years ago. Alana tragically took her life at the young age of 23, after battling anorexia for nearly a decade.

While I don't know your personal stories, I'm so sorry for your losses. I hope you are all taking good care of yourself, and that you remember it is okay to feel sad, and okay to be happy as well.

I'm looking for people to contribute their stories to Our New Lives' website. If you are interested, please contact me at info.ournewlives@gmail.com. Please also check out our Facebook page and share it among anyone who may be interested in contributing to, or simply supporting, this movement. 

Thank you so much, and big hugs to all of you. I'm so sorry again for your losses.

Simone