Pierson Phillips(2004-2019)

Pierson Dean Phillips was the only child of Hilaire Phillips and Travis Phillips. He grew up in Independence, Missouri where he attended Nativity of Mary Catholic School. He was accepted as a student at Rockhurst High School as a member of the class of 2023 and dreamed of being on the debate team. Pierson was a passionate public speaker and spoke at many events including The Children's Services Fund Coalition, The Missouri GFWC State Convention, The 2017 Speak Up Walk, Comprehensive Mental Health Services Annual Luncheon, Lady Gaga's Born This Way Foundation Panel Discussion, and the GFWC International Convention in 2018. He spoke candidly and passionately about mental illness and what it was like to live with suicidal thoughts. In 2018 he was named as one of the stars in Just Like You Films Anxiety and Depression, a project he wholeheartedly supported and helped raise money for. On January 21, 2019, right before filming began, Pierson lost his battle with anxiety and depression and died by suicide. He was 14 years old. His family started The Pierson Project in his memory and continue to educate and advocate for suicide prevention. On September 1, 2021, Comprehensive Mental Health Services honored Pierson's legacy of advocating for youth mental health by naming their newest facility the Pierson D. Phillips Building. His story is also told in Chronicle.