In honor of World Mental Health Day, Juice WRLD's mother, Carmela Wallace, penned an open letter and launched a new website (LiveFree999.org) as a resource to those struggling with mental health.

Read Ms. Wallace's letter below:

Jarad and I were always close. We liked to play pinball together. We had long conversations about his future and about the world in general. But like any mother and son, we had our issues. Jarad came from a family where academics were the highest priority, so I wanted him to focus on school, but he was always more interested in music. His teachers would often tell me that he was extremely gifted, but that he was always focused on his music. I’d often find him in the studio in the afternoon, pursuing his dream. He was laser-focused. In the end, Jarad won the battle and I agreed to let him take a year off after high school to work on his own music and his vision as Juice WRLD. When his career took off, I left my job in quality management to join his team. Jarad recorded music every day, in every city he found himself in. He amassed literally hundreds and hundreds of songs. The lyrics and melodies all made from his beautiful mind.

Jarad and I often had frank discussions about his struggles with addiction, anxiety and depression. I think he felt comfortable being honest with me because I never judged him. I recognized that what Jarad was dealing with was a disease and I know he truly wanted to be free from the demons that tormented him. As a parent, I believed early on and supported Jarad having access to counseling. I encouraged him to always share his feelings.

I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love following the loss of my son. His loving spirit which is communicated through his music has touched so many people. I launched Live Free 999 so that perhaps his death could mean something for other mothers whose sons and daughters are dealing with the same kinds of issues that my son struggled with.

My message to the parents and children is simple. You do not have to suffer alone. You do not have to be ashamed of your mental health struggles. There is help. There is a way out.

On Mental Health Day 2020, I have launched a new website LiveFree999.org in the hopes that it will be a resource to those that are struggling. If we can help even one Mother and their son or daughter through our work here, Jarad’s death will have meaning and his positive, loving, creative spirit will endure.

Sincerely,

Ms. Carmela Wallace

On Wednesday, 10/6, Interscope, Grade A and Live Free 999—the fund established in honor of the late Juice WRLD by his mother, Carmella Wallace—announced that they donated music gear to Juice's elementary and junior high school.

The music programs at Deer Creek Christian School in Chicago Heights, Ill. have been gifted orchestral and band instruments, including beginning instruments for younger students in the preschool through second grade levels.

Mrs. Lannaea Alexander, who was Juice WRLD’s 8th grade homeroom teacher when the school was called Homewood Christian Academy and who is now Principal of Deer Creek, commented: "Jarad’s positivity and immense talent affected everyone who came into his presence. His spirit can very much be felt in the heartbeat of our school’s mission and within the very walls and floors of the school building itself. We are immensely grateful to accept this gift from Carmella and Jarad which will enable us to offer a robust music education for our students at Deer Creek Christian School."

Carmella Wallace commented: "Mrs. Alexander had a profound effect on my son’s life, and I have never forgotten her positive influence on him and the other students under her tutelage. I am so pleased to be able to support her work at Deer Creek by helping to make it possible for her students to pursue their interest in music education."

This is the largest donation made to date by the Live Free 999 Fund which was established earlier this year to honor the legacy of Jarad “Juice WRLD” Higgins to support young people in all of their endeavors.

The photos above are young Higgins shredding and in school at Deer Creek.