Dearden2007 was founded from personal experience, loss, hardship, and a determination to help other men who feel forgotten, unheard, and alone.
In 2007, my wife passed away unexpectedly, leaving me to navigate grief while continuing to fight for my role as a father. During one of the most difficult periods of my life, I found myself facing challenges that many men know all too well — family court battles, custody struggles, and the feeling that my voice was not being heard.
Fighting for custody of my son was a battle I never believed I should have had to face. The experience opened my eyes to the struggles many fathers endure and the emotional toll it takes on their mental health.
Through loss, frustration, and adversity, I learned how important it is for men to have support, resources, and a community that understands what they are going through.
That is why Dearden2007 exists today. Our mission is to provide hope, encouragement, advocacy, and awareness for men facing life's toughest challenges.
Every story has a beginning. Mine began with a family I loved deeply and a future I believed would last forever.
Losing my wife changed everything. The grief was overwhelming, but the challenges did not stop there. Navigating family court and fighting to remain an active father taught me firsthand how difficult life can become when support systems fail you.
Today, that experience fuels my commitment to helping other men find strength, hope, and purpose.