Vanessa Francis
Vanessa lost her husband Rick to suicide in 2016. She understands what it takes to heal from a sudden and traumatic loss.
She attended her first Camp Widow in Toronto in 2019. It was there that she experienced the healing power and beauty of being with others who have suffered such immense loss. She has been a presenter, ambassador and a volunteer.
Vanessa realized the importance of openly talking about mental health and depression to end the stigma and shine a light on this topic. As a result, she has volunteered with a charity that provides support for suicide loss survivors. As the chair of their 5K walk committee, she was instrumental in getting this inaugural walk off the ground and raising funds and awareness.
Vanessa looks for joy in the everyday as she realizes that life is just way too short.
She is a business owner and designer who fills her day with designing beautiful spaces for her clients so that they feel happier at home. She loves yoga, hiking and her doodle Ellie. She lives in Milton, ON with her partner and daughter.