Fort Myers Beach woman called to give back after losing her brother

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. —

When Annie Meehan started putting together these care bags, she intended to look after those who look after us.

"Social workers, nurses, first responders, educators, if they're all burnt out and they all quit, where do people go to that need help?" Meehan said.

Every week, Meehan visits hospitals, senior homes, and schools to give them away — for free.

"I love seeing people like...for me? Do you know me? Why? What do you want?" Meehan said. "They always assume it's not for them, but it's like...it's for you."

Meehan spreads an abundance of joy today because of an abundance of pain in her past.

"Paul is my brother," Meehan said. "March 12 would have been his 57th birthday."

At 22 years old, Meehan's brother, Paul, died by suicide.

"I feel he's very proud of me. I feel his spirit when I do it. It's like, it's for him," Meehan said.

Meehan proves that even our darkest moments can inspire a bright future.

"When they feel seen and validated, they can pour better into their patients, their students, and their clients," Meehan said.

If you or someone you know needs help, you can talk with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or sending a text message to 988, or you can chat online here.

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