October 10^th is World Mental Health Day, a perfect opportunity to shine a light on the Jackie Bauer Buddy Program, started by Team Purebred. This program came to fruition in a Team Purebred board meeting this past January. The organization wanted to find a way to honor Jackie in all she did for the organization and the positive influence she left behind. According to the Team Purebred website, “Jackie Bauer was a cornerstone to our organization, throughout her time on the Junior Board of Directors she was a beacon of hope to our younger members. Those privileged enough to interact with Jackie will remember her kind spirit, fun-loving smile, and willingness to give back to others.  Jackie was a valued, hard-working member of the Team Purebred Junior Board, who always enjoyed working with the youth of our organization. Unfortunately, in 2018, we lost Jackie.” With the large footprint Jackie left behind, the board landed on creating a mentorship program to keep the values Jackie held alive. The Jackie Bauer Buddy Program is a way to remind the industry that Some-Buddy is there to support them, no matter the circumstances. Kristi Smith, director of Team Purebred, said, “The program is not just about suicide prevention, it is also about being positive and encouraging to others, but emulating who Jackie was and the positivity she brought into people lives.” Maddie Caldwell is this year’s “Champion” of the Jackie Bauer Buddy Program. In her role she will help advocate for the program and encourage relationships between those in the industry. She said, “Agriculturalists of any age should get involved with this program for a variety of reasons. One of the most important that I see, in particular, is having the opportunity to connect with others when the need may arise. You never know what life may throw at you and having a support system there to guide you through both good and bad times is essential.” If interested in the program visit the Team Purebred website. A note from Maddie: I would like to take this opportunity to remind each and every person reading this of a few things: you are loved, you are wanted, and you are enough. This world wouldn't be the same without you in it. Don't let mental illness rule your world like it did mine for so many years. Reach out to me personally at any time, day or night, if you need a listening ear. I'm only a phone call or text message away.