A Letter from Our Founder

Owen made me a better person. He had a pure heart, a contagious laugh, and the rare ability to make people feel truly seen. He also struggled with anxiety and mental health challenges that we worked tirelessly to address through therapy, medication, love, support, and every resource we knew to pursue.

When Owen died, my world shattered. My identity as a mother, physician, and person suddenly collapsed. In the months since, I have slowly and painfully tried to piece myself back together — much like the Japanese art of Kintsugi, where broken pottery is repaired with gold. The cracks remain, but they become part of the story.

Before Owen’s death, I had planned to open a wellness-based medical practice that combined traditional medicine with a more holistic approach to mental and physical health. After losing Owen, that vision expanded into something much larger.

As a pulmonary and critical care physician, I have spent decades caring for people during some of the hardest moments of their lives. Over time, I became increasingly aware that many people are not only physically unwell, but emotionally isolated, overwhelmed, disconnected, and struggling silently beneath the surface.

The Goldfinch Foundation was created to help change that.

Through education, creativity, movement, nature, and meaningful human connection, we hope to create spaces where people feel seen, supported, empowered, and less alone. We believe awareness matters — but awareness alone is not enough. People need real-world tools, trusted relationships, and opportunities for connection and healing.

This work is now both my purpose and Owen’s legacy.

With love,
Elisabeth Willers, MD
Founder and President, The Goldfinch Foundation
Forever Owen’s Mom