MEET patty born, PMHNP, LMT, CEIM

Hello, I'm Patty!

I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Educator of Infant Massage, Master Life Coach, mother to 4 amazing children, mental health advocate, and aspiring public speaker who lives in Arizona.

Ever since the death of my ex-husband in 2012 and then the loss of my son Zachary in September of 2024, I have been on a crusade to save lives. Both of these important men in my life died by suicide. Zack's death has been my lifequake moment and it has completely changed the trajectory of my life. My life missions are:

Exploring grief and how to approach it

Having difficult conversations about depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism, addiction, and suicide

Honoring the lives of Charlie and Zack Born through all endeavors

Who We Fight For

Charles Andrew Born

Charlie was a former U.S. Marine who worked at the Pentagon and spent time in Okinawa. He completed Boot Camp in Camp Lejeune, N.C. and was stationed in Camp Pendleton, CA. Charlie battled with his mental health and addiction starting in his teen years. He died by suicide on 9/9/12 at the age of 45 leaving behind 4 children.

06/26/1967-09/09/2012

#wefightforzack

The hashtag #wefightforzack was created to be able to track posts, stories, memories, and messages about Zachary. It also serves as a reminder of the fight for Charlie,

Zack, and others who suffer in silence just as they did. We will continue to suit up and go to war against mental health stigma. This does not end because Charlie and Zack are no longer here.

Use #wefightforzack on social media to join our cause

Zachary Michael Born

Zack graduated from Edgewood High School in 2022. He was a burn survivor after a devastating house fire left him with extensive scars on 1/3 of his body, but, more importantly, psychological scars that he never fully recovered from. He was enrolled in the welding program at a local community college at the time of his death. When he obtained his driver's license shortly before his death he opted to be an organ donor. Zack saved several lives with his organ donations. He will always be our hero!

12/16/2004-09/05/2024

Vulnerability & Transparency

The decision to turn my pain into purpose, fear into fuel, and grief into good evolved from a desire to pivot after the loss of my son. I have no problem being vulnerable in my grief and sadness if it will help others. You see, this journey is not about me. It is about creating awareness and change. I have a unique story to share. My point of view is very different. As a mental health provider and mother I am the one this should not happen to. It is my hope that others will learn from me.

We can reduce the number of young men who die by suicide. It is preventable. There is hope. Let's talk about it and generate discussions that normalize the need for mental health resources. Mental health IS health!

Watch patty's episode

Soft White Underbelly

Air date: January 11, 2025

Filmed in Los Angeles, CA on December 23, 2024 at Soft White Underbelly Studios
Host- Mark Laita
Watch Patty's video where she openly and candidly discusses resilience and grief

Watch her episode here

"The bravest thing I have ever done!"

"My son, Zack, has given me the strength to do things I never woudl have done before his death." - Patty Born

TESTIMONIALS

What others are saying

"I want to thank you..."

"for your posts because even in their sadness they remind me to be grateful. Your bravery astounds me and inspires me. Hugs!"

- D.K.

"I know you are still grieving"

"Your son was not alone in the hurt. Others are too. It seems you are trying to help a lot of people with your words on Facebook- don't stop."

- H.H.

"Just wanted to reach out..."

"...and thank you for sharing your son's story. I'm 21 and I've been struggling with severe anxiety and depression for 10 years. I'm having a bad day and was starting to convince myself I wasn't wanted by my family when I came across the post about your son. Thank you for reminding me how much my mother would miss me. I am so, so sorry for your loss. Sending you love."

- Anonymous

Suicide Loss

The brain is an organ just like the heart. In much the same way that an unhealthy heart can lead to a heart attack, suicide is the culmination of a brain disease/disorder, not a conscious choice from a healthy mind.
-The Ed Lally Foundation-

I grieve the should'ves.
I grieve the could'ves.
I grieve the would'ves.
-GlitterAndGrief-

"we are carried"
yesterday was a hard day.
and i missed you.
today was a good day.
and i missed you.
i don't know what
tomorrow will bring.
but i. will. miss. you.
-sara rian-

When you survive loss...everyone is quick to tell you how strong you are, and how tough you must be. But actually, no one has a choice to survive grief do they... it's not optional. You just have to cry in the shower, sob into your pillow and pray you will make it.
-Zoe Clark-Coates-

You're not alone

Would you like to have Patty Born speak at your event?

As a mental health professional, crusader, and mother, Patty offers a unique perspective to the global issue of suicide. As she openly discusses the tragedies in her life, Patty reminds us all that despite the most horrific circumstances and situations we can overcome and persevere. She embodies this by becoming a public speaker and advocate despite having lost her ex-husband and son to suicide. Her grit and determination are evident in her every word.