From Heartbreak to Healing: How April Roller-Morris is Changing the Conversation on Mental Health

When April Roller-Morris speaks about hope, she does so from a place of deep personal experience. Her journey toward advocacy began in heartbreak—the loss of her husband, Jeremy, to suicide. Left to raise three young boys on her own, April faced unimaginable grief and challenges. Yet, instead of allowing tragedy to define her, she transformed it into purpose. Over time, she built a life centered on healing, education, and helping others find hope through the darkness.

Eight years after her loss, April remarried, a testament to her resilience and capacity to rebuild. Today, she continues to serve as a beacon of strength for others—proving that healing is possible, and that one person’s determination can ripple out to touch countless lives. Through every role she takes on, both personally and professionally, April works tirelessly to strengthen her community and destigmatize conversations about mental health.

 

Key Contributions:

• Founding Cos4Hope:
  In 2018, April founded Cos4Hope, a nonprofit organization that creatively combines cosplay and fandom culture with mental health advocacy. Through costumes, community events, and shared stories, Cos4Hope brings people together to promote wellness and suicide prevention in a way that feels welcoming and accessible. Her innovative approach has inspired many, transforming fandom spaces into platforms for support and understanding.
• A Journey of Personal Advocacy:
  April’s advocacy began soon after Jeremy’s passing in 2013. Determined to understand suicide risk factors and warning signs, she immersed herself in learning and awareness. While raising her three young sons, she pursued higher education—graduating cum laude from the University of Central Missouri and later earning her Master’s degree. Her academic success went hand-in-hand with her growing role as a mental health advocate.
• Professional Role in Higher Education:
  Today, April serves as a University Case Manager at the University of Central Missouri, where she helps students navigate academic pressures and personal challenges. Her empathy and expertise guide countless students toward the support they need. Never one to stop learning, she is also pursuing a Doctorate in Developmental Psychology, deepening her understanding of mental health and human resilience.
• Educational Outreach and Public Speaking:
  April shares her message widely, presenting on mental wellness and suicide prevention to audiences ranging from students to professionals. She has been a guest lecturer at her university and a featured speaker at major events, including Planet Comicon. Through these talks, she connects with others by blending personal narrative, research, and practical strategies for well-being.
• Community Support and Healing Initiatives:
  April has created and led meaningful community events, including Torches On!, a virtual gathering for World Suicide Prevention Day, and the annual Lightsabers, Lanterns & Lumos vigil for International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. These events bring people together to honor loved ones, foster connection, and spark hope within the community.
• Advocacy and Policy Impact:
  Beyond community events, April has taken her advocacy to the policy level, participating in legislative discussions and supporting mental health reform at both state and national stages. Her research and lived experience have informed important policy proposals aimed at improving access to mental health services and strengthening suicide prevention systems.
• Volunteerism and Leadership:
  April’s leadership extends far beyond her own organization. She actively volunteers and collaborates with other nonprofits and initiatives dedicated to mental health, service, and community well-being—always seeking ways to give back and lift others up.

 

Recognizing April Roller-Morris as a Hometown Hero would honor far more than her individual achievements—it would celebrate the transformative power of compassion, perseverance, and community. Through her personal journey, her advocacy, and her professional service, April has built a legacy of hope that continues to light the way for others. Her story reminds us all that even in the wake of loss, there can be purpose, connection, and healing.