BATON ROUGE — When Jordan Tabor lost his 15-year-old son Owen to suicide on April 29, 2023, his world stopped. But from the depths of grief, Tabor and his family made a vow: to transform their pain into purpose. That commitment gave birth to the Rain Will Bring Flowers Foundation, an organization dedicated to youth mental wellness and suicide prevention.
“Owen was popular. He was never bullied. He excelled in athletics and academics. He came from a stable, faith-filled home where he was loved and supported in every way,” Tabor said. “I share that so people understand—if a kid like Owen could fall victim to suicide, then all of our kids are at risk.”
YOU CAN DONATE: Rain Will Bring Flowers Foundation
Planting Seeds of Hope
One of the foundation’s signature initiatives is Planting Seeds of Hope, a free annual event held at LSU’s Pete Maravich Assembly Center in partnership with LSU Athletics, Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health, the Joe Burrow Foundation, and the LSU L Club.
The program brings in high-profile athletes with ties to LSU who openly share their personal struggles and how they overcame adversity. The goal is to inspire young people and their families to realize they are not alone.
“We feed everyone with Raising Cane’s and Papa John’s, and the whole night is about hope and inspiration,” Tabor explained. “This will be our third year, and LSU has committed to making it an annual event. We’re aiming for late February or early March, depending on the basketball schedule.”
Prevention in Every Parish
Another initiative, Prevention in Every Parish, works to bring mental wellness education to schools statewide. So far, the campaign has trained 67,000 students, parents, and faculty in 23 parishes. The foundation’s goal is to reach 100,000 people across all 64 Louisiana parishes.
“Right now, we’re in 23 parishes, but our vision is for every parish in Louisiana to be equipped with the tools to recognize and respond to mental health challenges,” Tabor said.
A Lasting Legacy
In addition to programming, the foundation has also established an endowment to fund scholarships for graduating high school seniors who plan to pursue careers in behavioral health. Donations can be made through the foundation’s website, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
Understanding the Warning Signs
Suicide remains the second leading cause of death for adolescents in Louisiana and among NCAA athletes. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), warning signs may include:
- Talking about wanting to die or feeling hopeless
- Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities once enjoyed
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Extreme mood swings or noticeable changes in behavior
- Giving away prized possessions or saying goodbye to loved ones
Tabor emphasized that warning signs can sometimes look like normal teenage behavior, making it difficult for parents to recognize when a child is in danger.
“If your child suddenly loses interest in something they once loved, like going to the gym, or if they’re experiencing changes in sleep or appetite, it may be more than just a phase,” he said.
Where to Get Help
Resources are available for families in need. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24/7.
“You don’t have to be in crisis to call,” Tabor said. “It can be a parent with concerns, or anyone who needs a sympathetic ear and guidance.”
For Tabor, the mission is clear: to break the stigma surrounding mental health and to prevent another family from experiencing the same heartbreak.
“We say all the time—rain will bring flowers,” he said. “From our pain, we’re working to bring hope.”
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