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Tellmystory Challenge Foundation

One storycan save a life

Turning pain into purpose, grief into service, and stories into healing. This is Tellmystory.

Join us August 8 →

Our Story

A father. A family. A reason this exists.

On April 8, 2016, my world changed forever.

My two beloved sons, McCann L. Utu Jr. and Josiah Utu, along with their mother, Stacy Renee Fawcett, tragically lost their lives in an unimaginable family tragedy. In a single moment, my family was forever changed, and I was left with a choice: allow grief to define the rest of my life, or find a way to transform pain into purpose.

For years, I struggled with heartbreak, loss, depression, unanswered questions, and the overwhelming weight of grief. There were days when simply getting out of bed felt impossible. There were moments when I questioned everything. Yet through faith, community, storytelling, and the courage to continue moving forward one day at a time, I discovered that healing is possible.

Tellmystory Challenge Foundation was born from that journey.

This foundation is not only a tribute to McCann Jr., Josiah, and Stacy. It is a movement dedicated to every person who has ever felt alone, broken, overwhelmed, forgotten, depressed, anxious, or trapped in darkness.

Their lives will not be remembered solely by how they died.

They will be remembered by how their story inspires others to live.

— McCann Utu Sr., Founder

Portrait honoring McCann L. Utu Jr.
McCann L. Utu Jr.
In loving memory
Portrait honoring Josiah Utu
Josiah Utu
In loving memory
Portrait honoring Stacy Renee Fawcett
Stacy Renee Fawcett
In loving memory

The Launch

August 8

The movement begins.

One day where music, culture, faith, and community make mental health something we celebrate out loud — the public launch of the Tellmystory Challenge.

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Our Mission

Stigma ends where stories begin.

Tellmystory Challenge Foundation exists to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health by empowering people to share their stories, struggles, victories, and healing journeys.

We believe that storytelling has the power to save lives.

Through honest conversations, community engagement, education, media, and personal testimony, we help people understand that they are not alone in their struggles and that hope, healing, and purpose are possible.

Our mission is to create a world where people feel safe speaking openly about mental health, grief, trauma, depression, anxiety, addiction, loss, and life’s challenges without fear of judgment.

Our Vision

A ripple effect of hope, reaching every generation.

To create a global movement where every person understands that their story matters, their life has value, and their voice can help someone else survive.

We envision a future where millions of people openly share their stories of overcoming adversity, creating a ripple effect of hope that reaches every community, every culture, and every generation.

The Tellmystory Challenge

30 seconds. One question. A library of hope.

Inspired by the impact of the Ice Bucket Challenge, the Tellmystory Challenge invites people around the world to record and share a 30-second video answering one simple question:

“How do you cope with life’s challenges and protect your mental health?”

Participants share their personal coping strategies, nominate others to do the same, and help create a growing library of hope and healing for people searching for answers.

“One story can save a life.”

Take the Challenge
  • 01Normalize conversations about mental health
  • 02Encourage vulnerability and authenticity
  • 03Create peer-to-peer support through storytelling
  • 04Help people discover healthy coping tools from real-life experiences
  • 05Remind people they are not alone

Take the Challenge

Share how you actually get through.

Drop a 30-second video link or write it out — whatever feels right. We read every entry with care. Nothing is public until approved.

Stories — the library of hope

You are not alone.

The wall is just getting started. Be one of the first voices — your story could be the one someone needs tonight.

Our Core Pillars

Five pillars. One movement.

01

Storytelling

Providing platforms for people to share their personal journeys, struggles, and triumphs.

02

Mental Health Awareness

Promoting education, understanding, and open dialogue around mental health challenges.

03

Hope & Healing

Connecting individuals with resources, communities, and practical coping strategies.

04

Advocacy

Advocating for greater awareness, transparency, education, and policies that prioritize the well-being of youth, young adults, and families affected by mental health challenges.

05

Legacy

Honoring the lives of McCann Jr., Josiah, and Stacy by helping others find purpose through their pain.

Our Programs

How the work happens.

Tellmystory Challenge

A global social media movement encouraging people to share how they overcome adversity and maintain mental wellness.

Tellmystory Documentary Series

Documentaries highlighting stories of resilience, recovery, faith, perseverance, and transformation.

Tellmystory Films

Feature films and short-form content based on true stories that inspire healing and hope.

Community Events

Conferences, workshops, memorial events, and community gatherings focused on mental health awareness and personal growth.

Youth Advocacy Initiative

Supporting research, education, and policy discussions focused on protecting young people and helping families make informed decisions regarding mental health treatment and care.

Our Promise

We believe every person has a story.

We believe every story has value.

We believe that when one person shares their truth, another person finds the courage to keep going.

Tellmystory Challenge Foundation exists so that pain can become purpose, grief can become service, and stories can become a pathway to healing.

The lives of McCann L. Utu Jr., Josiah Utu, and Stacy Renee Fawcett continue to impact the world through every life touched by this mission.

This is more than a foundation.

This is a movement.

This is a challenge.

This is a legacy.

This is Tellmystory.

Get Involved

Together, we thrive.

  • Take the challenge
    Share your story. Tag a friend. Pass the mic.
  • Share it
    Reshare an approved story to amplify someone’s voice.
  • Volunteer
    Help us curate, moderate, and amplify with care.
  • Partner
    Brands, schools, ministries, teams — let’s build together.

Send us an idea

Every gift funds another voice heard in time.

Donate

Contact

Reach out.

For partnerships, press, or anything pressing — we read every note.