Full Breakdown
Community Unites for Mental Health Awareness in Memory of Ethan Ardrey
3/26/2026, 1:19:44 PM
Annual Mental Health Walk at Cienega High School
On Saturday, the Tucson community will gather at Cienega High School for an annual mental health walk dedicated to the memory of 13-year-old Ethan Ardrey, who tragically passed away in 2020 after a struggle with mental health issues. This event aims to raise awareness and provide support for families facing similar challenges.
Ethan's mother, Christina Winner, recalls her son as "fun, silly, always having a good time." Despite Ethan being in therapy, Winner reflects on her regret of not knowing about the various support options available. “After losing Ethan... there are just so many other options out there that I felt we could have done instead of just therapy that I didn't even know about," she stated. This realization, coupled with the outpouring of support from the community following Ethan's death, inspired Winner to create the mental health walk.
The Ethan Ardrey Project
The event has also led to the establishment of the Ethan Ardrey Project, which aims to provide scholarships for high school students in the Vail School District and cover therapy costs for children of all ages within the district. Over the years, the walk has raised more than $100,000, demonstrating the community's commitment to mental health awareness and support. Winner hopes participants will leave feeling valued and understood, emphasizing the importance of community in mental health struggles. “Even if they feel no one's going to understand, there is somebody who's going to care enough that wants to help them," she expressed.
Event Details
The mental health walk is set to begin at 11 a.m. at Cienega High School, with gates opening at 10 a.m. The event is free to attend and will feature a private auction, allowing attendees to contribute further to the cause until 12:30 p.m.
Conclusion
The annual mental health walk in memory of Ethan Ardrey serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of community support in addressing mental health issues. Through initiatives like the Ethan Ardrey Project, families are provided with resources and encouragement, fostering a culture of understanding and care in the face of mental health challenges.
