What We're About

In her loving memory, the Aimee Oki Foundation was established to actively support those affected by Bipolar Disorder and depression. We strive to educate young adults about the significance of mental health and provide professional resources for those in need.

How you can Help!

Attend any of our annual fundraising events!
Or follow us on social media!

Bipolar Disorder

Formerly known as manic depression, Bipolar disorder includes extreme mood swings from emotional highs to hopeless lows. This long-term illness can be treated with medication and therapy.

Aimee's Story

Aimee's Story

Aimee was all of the following things: a daughter, sister, musician, athlete, and a best friend. She was just like everyone else--she had goals and lived a very fulfilling life. But she also battled bouts of deep depression. Her family noticed changes in her normal behavior only one year before she took her life.

After returning home after graduating from college, Aimee showed signs of depression--sleeping more and getting out to exercise or visit friends less. She began living outside of her means by shopping online and opening credit lines. Aimee was also in a relationship that was kept private for a year and a half before it was exposed, This event was a traumatic experience that deeply affected her. During the summer of 2012, she became rebellious, opinionated, hyper-energetic, and determined. She also began to have trouble sleeping. Aimee was escalating into someone that was unrecognizable to her family, who knew her as loving, considerate and sensitive to others' feelings. On July 4, 2012 a family friend, who also suffers from bipolar illness, shared with the family what she observed in Aimee's behavior throughout that evening. They knew very little about bipolar illness until that conversation. On July 17, Aimee was taken to the hospital. She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and major depression, and put on a treatment plan. While under the care of a psychologist, a psychiatrist managed her medication. Her manic behavior was subdued. Although there were signs of improvement, it was extremely difficult for her to accept the medication regimen into her life.

There were additional challenges that she faced outside of her mental illness. She struggled with finding a job, and had difficulty remembering information. All these struggles sank her deeper into depression and skewed her view of what was actually happening around her. Her family and friends encouraged her to get into a routine, whether it was exercising or attending a social event to lift her spirits. However, it was challenging to know exactly what Aimee needed when was not able to communicate her entire feelings. Aimee could not see that everyone was there to love and support her through her illness. She was too consumed with hopelessness, loneliness, and despair. On January 5, 2013, the pain was too unbearable for Aimee to carry on. She took her life early that morning. In her memory, this foundation strives to help those living with mental illnesses. May they know that there is hope, they are important, and that help is an option.

Community & Events

Nellie Gail Ranch Tennis Club

NGRTC hosted a Calcutta in Aimee's memory and in support of Bipolar disorder in October 2015. We welcomed novice to experienced tennis players as well as supporters to come out for a fun weekend!

Student Resource Program

AOF hopes to start a school-based program for those adolescents either living with depression or hoping to learn more about mental illnesses. Education can help eliminate the stigma behind mental illness.

Newsletter

AOF hopes to publish a semi-annual letter to educate on Bipolar disorder as well as wrap up the last 6 months. Please contact us to be added to our mailing list.

Student Resource Program

AOF hopes to start a school-based program for those adolescents either living with depression or hoping to learn more about mental illnesses. Education can help eliminate the stigma behind mental illness.

Newsletter

AOF hopes to publish a semi-annual letter to educate on Bipolar disorder as well as wrap up the last 6 months. Please contact us to be added to our mailing list.

Aimee Oki Memorial Hike

Every year around Aimee's birthday (March 28), friends and family gather at Fryman Canyon trailhead to hike one of her favorite trails. It is an opportunity to update everyone on the accomplishments of the foundation from the previous year, and take a group picture at the top of the trail Click here for pictures from the event!

Notre Dame High School Speaker

AOF has partnered with both Active Minds and the Matthew Silverman Memorial Foundation to bring a professional speaker on mental health to Aimee's alma mater. Jordan Burnham and Greg Vogt's goal is for their stories to resonate in some capacity for the students and faculty, and open up the conversation of mental health on campus.

Nellie Gail Ranch Tennis Club

NGRTC hosted a Calcutta in Aimee's memory and in support of Bipolar disorder in October 2015. We welcomed novice to experienced tennis players as well as supporters to come out for a fun weekend!

Aimee Oki Memorial Hike

Every year around Aimee's birthday (March 28), friends and family gather at Fryman Canyon trailhead to hike one of her favorite trails. It is an opportunity to update everyone on the accomplishments of the foundation from the previous year, and take a group picture at the top of the trail (always a crowd favorite). Click here for pictures from the event!

Junior Tennis Tournament

A goal of AOF is to establish a junior tennis tournament in memorium of Aimee Oki. Tennis was a huge part of Aimee and therapeutic in its own right. We hope to get the support to one day host this tournament.

AOF Golf Tournament

The annual Aimee Oki Foundation Golf Tournament is our biggest fundraising event. Supporters gather for a fun day of golf, prizes, a charity auction, and dinner banquet. Each year, we cast a wider net and host more attendees. We are so thankful for our supporters! Click here for pictures from the event!

Notre Dame Memorial speaker

AOF has partnered with both Active Minds and the Matthew Silverman Memorial Foundation to bring a professional speaker on mental health to Aimee's alma mater. Jordan Burnham and Greg Vogt's goal is for thier stories to resonate with the students and faculty, and open up the conversation of mental health on campus.

Donate Information

Resources

AOF for Students

Students are a big focus of AOF. We believe that getting educated on bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses will also aid in early detection and treatment. Please reach out to your counselor for further resources as well as questions.

Volunteering

AOF is always looking for your feedback and/or input on how we can be a presence in our community.

Please contact us with questions or ways you can volunteer!

Contact Us!