MEET THE TEAM

Personally struggling with mental health pretty much my whole life, I never got the chance to really look and find help. I come from a long history of mental health and trauma through the bloodline, but once I found a career that offered free mental health services, it opened a new door for me to start looking around and healing. I have always been an advocate for mental health — from trauma in my past, to anxiety, depression, and multiple suicide attempts. I never wanted anyone to feel the way I have felt.

Going through a real transformation period, Billy asked me if I was genuinely okay. And I actually was — but he was determined to get my mind on something for him to 3D print and sell in his store as "Andrew's version" of a product. But I had a bigger picture. I thought, why don't I take all of my gifts and passions and roll them into one? I pitched the idea of the NFC hearts to Billy and he instantly got to work. It has all blown up from there. Having something that pulls all the information you are looking for together, and giving you transparency — especially in the time of crisis? That, that is what makes Extra Life Project what it is.

I decided to join Extra Life Project because I believe in the heart behind it. Life can get heavy, and sometimes the hardest part is simply knowing where to turn — or feeling like someone cares enough to help you find your next step. I love the idea of creating something that can make that connection a little easier and remind someone that they don't have to figure everything out alone. If what we're building helps even one person find support when they need it, that's something I want to be a part of.

I joined the Extra Life Project because I know what it feels like to struggle with depression and anxiety. It's something I've faced for most of my life, and I know how lonely, overwhelming, and exhausting those moments can feel.

I don't want anyone to ever feel the things I've felt — alone, hopeless, unheard, or like they have nowhere to turn.

I want to take some of my hardest experiences and turn them into something that can help someone else. I want to remind people that their struggles don't define them, that asking for help is okay, and that they don't have to face everything alone.

If I can make even one person feel a little less alone, remind someone that they matter, or help someone find a reason to keep going — then being part of the Extra Life Project is worth it to me. I'm here because I've been there.

I'm Tommy McPheron. As a volunteer firefighter, I've become involved in the Extra Life Project as a way to help people who are struggling even more. I have seen firsthand the effects of people struggling — whether it be with mental health, family issues, and/or life struggles. At the Extra Life Project, I get to be a part of something that goes beyond the call, to help those in need even more.

I joined the Extra Life Project because mental health is a big part of my life. I struggle with it and have been since a young age. I know what it's like not knowing how to get help or even where to start — honestly, I felt like there never was any. It took me years to learn that talking helps. Extra Life Project has helped me seek the help that works for me, and I hope it does the same for everyone else who struggles.

I help people — that's who I am. I will always help others before anything, as long as that means they feel seen. My goal is to reach as many people as possible and help all those who seek it. My life motto that I live by is truly: live, laugh, love. Live your life to the fullest, laugh with the right people, love yourself before others. Life is truly a blessing and I am blessed to still be here today. We make it easy to find the proper support needed — now it's my turn to help others.