Connecticut teen honors dad with bracelets for suicide prevention

TRUMBULL, Conn. (WTNH) — Daddy’s little girl.

“I was very close to my dad; he was a big inspiration,” said Grace Bartlett of Trumbull, who is honoring her father while helping others.

“When I was 11, I lost my dad to suicide, which was very difficult. I just want to make it easier to talk about if someone is struggling,” she said. “And the conversation starts here, with these bracelets.”

The “I Luv U Angel” website is where she makes handmade bracelets from string and sells them from $4 to $6. The proceeds going to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Following in her father’s footsteps, Grace- who is just 16- wants to make a difference.

“Even though he’s not here with me now, I look up to him. He worked in the NICU. When I was about 7, my dad actually went to Indonesia to help kids in the hospital there and they taught him how to make these bracelets. He actually sent me bracelets and one of them the bracelets he sent had a note that said ‘I luv u Angel’ and that’s how I came up with the name for my website,” she said.

Which is where she sells her bracelets for suicide prevention.

Each of them is unique with different colors and designs, but all of them are made with lots of love and support.

“One small bracelet can make a big difference,” she said.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. You can call or text “988” at any time to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

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