Welcome to
"Suffering in silence is not ok."
"Living each day is one of the most extraordinary acts of courage."
— Jennifer Betts
Advocating for mental health and suicide prevention through education, community service, and unwavering support for those who need it most.
Crisis Support Available 24/7
Call or Text 988
Our Mission & Story
Born from tragedy, powered by hope, and driven by the belief that no one should suffer in silence.
Our Mission
To advocate for mental health and suicide prevention through education and community service, ensuring that every person knows they are valued, supported, and never alone in their struggles.
Jean's Legacy Lives On
JR98 Inc was founded in honor of Jean Ramirez, a beloved son, brother, and friend who lost his battle with mental health at the young age of 28. Jean wore #98, and his initials combined with his jersey number became the foundation of our organization.
Supported by the Tampa Bay Rays organization, Jean's family transformed their grief into purpose, creating JR98 Inc to ensure that other families would never have to experience the devastating loss they endured.
Our work is fueled by one simple truth: speaking up about mental health should be as normal as talking about physical health. Silence is not strength—seeking help is.
Breaking the Silence
"Each year, 703,000 people globally lose their lives to suicide, affecting millions of family members and friends."
This statistic isn't just a number—it represents Jean, and countless others whose stories could have had different endings with proper support and open conversations about mental health.
This is our call to action to normalize speaking up about mental health issues.
The Impact of Our Mission
Understanding the scope of mental health challenges helps us focus our efforts where they matter most.
703,000
Lives lost to suicide globally each year
Each life represents countless family members and friends affected
1
Life that inspired our
mission
Jean Ramirez, who left us at age 28, #98
Millions
People affected by each
loss
Suicide doesn't just impact one person—it ripples through entire communities
100%
Preventable with proper support
Every suicide is preventable when we break the silence and provide support
Our Work in Action
Making a tangible difference through education, community outreach, and meaningful partnerships.
Our Key Initiatives
Mental Health in Sports
Partnering with Tampa Bay Rays and Crisis Center of Tampa Bay for group discussions on mental health awareness in sports communities.
Breaking stigma in athletics
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Toy Drives for Children
Organizing toy drives for hospitalized children in Puerto Rico, bringing joy and hope during difficult times.
Supporting healing through kindness
Community Awareness Walks
Supporting NAMI and AFSP through organized walks that raise awareness and build community connections.
Strengthening support networks
Keeper of the Game Partnership
Collaborating to provide baseballs for special needs leagues, promoting inclusion and participation.
Creating inclusive opportunities
Mental Health Resources
Help is always available. You don't have to face this alone.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress and those around them.
Call or Text 988
988lifeline.org
Crisis Center of Tampa Bay
Local crisis intervention and mental health support services in the Tampa Bay area.
(813) 964-1964
crisiscenter.com
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Support, education and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental illness.
1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
nami.org
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
Leading organization providing resources for suicide prevention and loss support.
Online Resources
afsp.org
Texas Health and Human Services
Mental health resources and crisis services for Texas residents.
1-833-986-1919
hhs.texas.gov
Warning Signs to Watch For
Knowing the warning signs can save lives. If you notice these signs in yourself or someone you care about, reach out for help immediately.
Talking about wanting to die or kill themselves
Looking for ways to kill themselves
Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
Talking about feeling trapped or being in unbearable pain
Talking about being a burden to others
Increasing use of alcohol or drugs
Remember:
These signs don't always mean someone is suicidal, but they do indicate someone who is struggling and needs support. When in doubt, ask directly and listen with compassion.
Jean Ramirez Scholarship Program
Honoring Jean's memory by supporting college students who have experienced the loss of an immediate family member.
Supporting Students Through Loss
Emmy Award Recognition
Jean's story continues to inspire through award-winning journalism and community impact.
The Jean Ramirez Scholarship Program provides yearly financial support to college students who have experienced the profound loss of an immediate family member. We understand that grief doesn't pause for education, and financial stress shouldn't compound emotional pain.
Each scholarship represents more than financial assistance—it's a reminder that students are not alone in their journey and that their education and future matter deeply to our community.
Every Donation Counts
Your contributions directly fund scholarships, allowing us to support more students each year. Together, we can help transform tragedy into opportunity and grief into growth.
Scholarship Requirements
Enrolled College Student
Currently enrolled in an accredited college or university program
Personal Loss
Have experienced the loss of an immediate family member
Essay Submission
Complete essay submission processed through Bold.org platform
Application Process:
All scholarship applications are processed through Bold.org, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process. Visit Bold.org to find our scholarship listing and submit your application with the required essay.
Scholarship Impact
Annual
Scholarship Awards
Multiple scholarships awarded each year
100%
Donation Impact
All donations directly support student scholarships
∞
Potential
Every scholarship can change a life trajectory
Support Our Mission
Your donation directly funds programs that save lives, support students, and build stronger, more compassionate communities.
Why Your Support Matters
Every Heart Matters
Your compassion creates ripples of hope in our community.
Mental health challenges don't discriminate, and neither should access to support and resources. Your donation helps us continue Jean's mission of ensuring no one suffers in silence.
From funding scholarships for grieving students to organizing community awareness events, every dollar you contribute goes directly toward programs that create real, measurable impact.
Together, we're not just raising money—we're raising hope, awareness, and saving lives.
100% Impact Guarantee
Every dollar you donate goes directly to our programs. No administrative overhead, no hidden fees—just pure impact in honor of Jean's memory and mission.
Where Your Donation Goes
Mental Health Advocacy
Fund community outreach programs and mental health awareness campaigns
Saves lives through education
Scholarship Program
Support college students who have lost immediate family members
Transforms grief into opportunity
Community Programs
Support toy drives, awareness walks, and special needs league partnerships
Builds stronger communities
Awareness Campaigns
Break the stigma around mental health through educational initiatives
Normalizes mental health conversations
Donation Impact Examples
$25
Provides mental health resources to 5 individuals
$50
Supports one student's textbook needs
$100
Funds community awareness materials
$250
Partially funds a scholarship award
$500
Sponsors a community mental health event
Custom
Every dollar makes a meaningful difference
Make a Difference Today
Your generosity helps us continue Jean's legacy and ensures that mental health support and resources are available to everyone who needs them.
Tax Deductible: JR98 Inc is a registered non-profit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to
the full extent allowed by law. A receipt will be provided for your records.