Ingersoll food truck couple's new burger dedicated to late son raises funds for suicide prevention

WARNING: This story contains discussion of suicide.

Brayden Danahy was one of the smallest in size among his eleven siblings, but his parents say he had the biggest appetite. 

The 22-year-old's death last month prompted his dad Anthony Pinheiro and step-mom Juanita Keddy to launch a new nine-ounce burger at their Ingersoll, Ont., food truck in his memory. The couple's goal is to raise awareness about suicide prevention and mental health. 

Danahy, who lived in Kitchener, took his own life on May 15 — two weeks before his 23rd birthday.

"We're in the thick of this. It's very raw, it's very sore but if we can prevent one family from going through this, it would mean everything," said Keddy, co-owner of That Food Truck. 

Since introducing the Big Brother Burger on Tuesday, the family said they've already raised $460 and have heard from numerous community members impacted by the loss of a loved one.

All proceeds from the burger's sales will go to the Waterloo Regional Suicide Prevention Council, a grassroots non-profit aiming to increase awareness of and engagement in suicide prevention through education, outreach and community initiatives.

People don't pretend to be depressed, they pretend to be happy.- Anthony Pinheiro, Brayden Danahy's father and co-owner of That Food Truck

"The word's getting out there so the conversation keeps happening and that's what we need," said Keddy. "We want to see people be able to ask for help as if they were asking for an Advil, because who isn't touched by it? Everybody can tell you somebody who's struggling." 

The burger is the height of a soda can and is made up of two meat patties, and three buns, with lettuce, onions, pickles and a special homemade sauce. The food truck also sells a smaller Little Brother Burger.

Danahy's death came as a surprise to his family, who have been shaken ever since, his dad said. But it has taught them about the prevalence of hidden mental health challenges, he added.

"What I learned is people don't pretend to be depressed, they pretend to be happy," said Pinheiro. "It's a bigger problem than what people know, and we were definitely made aware of that. We just want to get the right information out there and give people resources."  

According to Statistics Canada, approximately 12 people die by suicide in this country every day. For every death by suicide, at least seven to 10 loved ones are significantly affected by loss, advocates say.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth and young adults between ages fifteen to 34. 

The couple wants people to remember their son by the way he lived, not how he died, they said. 

"He was fun, charming, and sweet," said Keddy. "Brayden lived a good life in those 22 years. He loved anything with wheels and he loved his family, which makes it so hard because there are so many of us he could've turned to, but he didn't."

Although the family is still reeling from grief, they want more people to become aware of and access mental health supports, and in turn, prevent tragic deaths. 

"It's OK not to be OK. Reach out and talk to somebody because the pieces of the puzzle that get left behind are not friendly and they'll never be solved," said Pinheiro.

Afternoon Drive8:25Ingersoll food truck launches new burger for suicide awareness after loss

After the loss of their son Brayden last month, the owners of Ingersoll's That Food Truck, Anthony Pinheiro and Juanita Keddy, are launching the 'Big Brother Burger.' It's a new menu item meant to raise suicide awareness. Host Matt Allen speaks with Keddy to hear more. 

If you or someone you know is struggling, here's where to get help:

• Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988
• Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 (phone), live chat counselling on the website.
• Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention: Find a 24-hour crisis centre.
• This guide from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health outlines how to talk about suicide with someone you're worried about.