ESPN Sports Center Feature: Duncan & Eli

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and our family has always believed that the more we talk about it, the more we can help others feel less alone. In this ESPN Sports Center Feature, Duncan opened up about Eli's struggles with mental illness — something our family has walked through together, and something that has changed all of us in ways we never expected.

It's not easy to share something this personal. But staying quiet never felt right. If our family's story can reach even one other family who's quietly going through the same thing — feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure of where to turn — then it's worth it.

Mental illness doesn't care about your circumstances. It can touch anyone, and it has touched ours. What we've learned is that there's no shame in struggling, and there's no shame in asking for help. We hope that by being open about Eli's journey, we can play some small part in making it easier for others to do the same.

This month and every month, our family stands behind the importance of mental health — and we stand behind everyone who's fighting their own battle.