Mason Gibson: Founder, Skate4Life

Warning: This column refers to death by suicide.

Twelve-year-old Mason Gibson’s dad started skateboarding with him when Mason was 2 years old. They also shared a love of art and music. Today, Mason finds solace in skateboarding. Two years ago, his dad died by suicide. Mason took his grief and began to plan a safe space for others to share their difficulties and to raise awareness about suicide and mental health through the love of skateboarding. His nonprofit, Skate4Life, is on Facebook and on Instagram at mason.skate4life.

TulsaKids: What prompted you to start Skate4Life?

Mason: I wanted a place for people to have community. I really want to stop people from taking their lives, and to create a safe space for people to talk about suicide.

My dad took his life two years ago in April. It affected me and my siblings. It really hurt us. I missed skating with him. He was also an artist and musician. Now I can’t do the stuff I used to with him. Whenever I skate, it motivates me even more to try to help people.

TulsaKids: Why skateboarding?

Mason: It makes me feel closer to him. It helps me cope with my dad’s death, and it teaches me to get back up and keep trying and to push harder. It’s a way to cope. It’s healing.

TulsaKids: What else did you learn from your dad?

Mason: He was an artist and did stipple art – doing little dots to make a drawing. I draw with pencil, but I don’t do stippling. My dad also introduced me to wrestling, which I still do when it’s in season.

He was also a musician and played the ukulele, and he showed me how to play. I play guitar. And he has his own song. (NOTE: Mason’s dad started writing this song about mental health before he died, but he didn’t complete it. His friends took what he had done and compiled it into a completed song. You can find it on YouTube at youtube.com/watch?v=obD27SuMjJg)

TulsaKids: What has been the reaction to Skate4Life?

Mason: I’ve gotten lots of reactions. People feel supported. I sell merch (prophecyprintco.printavo.com/merch/skate4life) – shirts, hoodies, beanies – and the funds go to nonprofits that help others.

TulsaKids: Do you have any advice or thoughts for other kids who are going through difficult times?

Mason: Just talk about it. I cry. It’s like a disease – you’re hurting. I went to Camp Erin (a free bereavement camp for ages 6-17 offered through the Tristesse Grief Center in Tulsa). Talking allows us to get emotions out. Some people don’t want to talk about suicide, but I think it’s good to talk about it. It stops the stigma.

TulsaKids: What are your plans for Skate4Life?

Mason: It’s still in the early stages in trying to get it off the ground. I’m trying to get the word out. I plan to host community skate days at different skate parks in the area in the spring and summer – maybe with speakers to talk about how to overcome hardships. I’d like to have music and an uplifting environment. It’s not just for the skating community. It’s for everyone to find community and feel supported.

TulsaKids: Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

Mason: I’m a big brother to six younger siblings.

Just prior to publication, we learned that Mason was awarded the Woodward Pennsylvania Scholarship. Mason’s mom, Sarah, writes, “Woodward Pennsylvania is basically the ultimate skateboarding camp. It’s a full week-long immersive experience where skaters get to train, learn, and push their skills in some of the best skateparks in the world…More than anything, Mason is excited to bring Skate4Life’s mission with him. He’s excited to share his story, connect with other skaters, and show how skateboarding has been a powerful outlet through grief and loss.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.