Update from the Sarah Shulze Foundation

Hi Friends,

As we reflect on the past year, we are filled with gratitude. Every conversation, every event, every partnership, and every life touched reminds us why we created the Sarah Shulze Foundation. While we never imagined this would become our life's work, we are honored to continue Sarah's legacy by helping young people understand that asking for help is a sign of strength and that no one should have to struggle alone.

This year has been one of meaningful progress. We are excited to share an update on the Sarah Shulze Law (AB 1985), which we hope will soon become law in California. If passed, it will require all California college coaches to complete mental health and suicide prevention training, equipping them to recognize when a student-athlete may be struggling and connect them with the support they need. To help schools prepare, we are proud to offer free QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention Training for colleges, schools, athletic teams, and community organizations. Available both in person and via Zoom, this lifesaving training is free and open to all ages.

We are also thrilled to announce that the Sarah Shulze Foundation is now an official Malibu Moves Philanthropy Partner. We hope you'll join us on October 25, 2026, for this special event held along one of Sarah's favorite places to run. Together, we'll celebrate Sarah's life while raising critical funds to expand the Foundation's programs and outreach.

Inside this newsletter, you'll find updates on these exciting initiatives, along with highlights from the schools, organizations, and community events we were honored to be part of this year.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing beside our family and helping transform our loss into hope for others. Together, we are creating a future where every young person feels seen, supported, and never alone.

Sincerely, Scott, Brigitte, Abbey and Ella Shulze

Sarah Shulze’s Law (AB 1985 Update)

Sarah Shulze Law (AB 1985) Update

The Sarah Shulze Law (AB 1985) continues to move forward in the California Legislature. After unanimously passing the State Assembly, the bill now awaits a hearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee. If approved, it will move to the full State Senate before heading to the Governor's desk for signature.

AB 1985 would require all California college coaches to complete mental health and suicide prevention training. Coaches are often the trusted adults who spend the most time with student-athletes and may be the first to recognize when someone is struggling. This training will help coaches identify warning signs, have supportive conversations, and connect athletes with the help they need.

A meaningful milestone this year was Brigitte's testimony before the California State Senate Education Committee, where she shared Sarah's story and the urgent need for this legislation. We are deeply grateful to Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin, whose immense compassion, sincere heart, and unwavering leadership have been instrumental in bringing this bill forward.

We remain hopeful that Sarah's legacy will help create a safer future for student-athletes across California.

How You Can Help

Support the Sarah Shulze Law (AB 1985). If you live in California, please consider contacting your State Senator and encouraging them to vote YES on AB 1985. Together, we can ensure every California college coach receives mental health and suicide prevention training that could help save a student's life.

More information on AB 1985

Free QPR Suicide Prevention Training

The Sarah Shulze Foundation offers free QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention Training for schools, colleges, athletic teams, coaches, parents, teachers, businesses, faith communities, community organizations, and anyone who wants to learn how to help. Training is available for all ages, in person or via Zoom, and can be tailored to your group.

QPR is an evidence-based program that teaches participants to recognize the warning signs of someone in crisis, ask the difficult question, encourage them to seek help, and connect them with appropriate resources. Just as CPR prepares people to respond to a medical emergency, QPR prepares them to respond to a mental health crisis.

As we look ahead to the anticipated passage of the Sarah Shulze Law (AB 1985), the Foundation is committed to providing this training at no cost to help California colleges meet the new mental health and suicide prevention training requirement for coaches. We also believe these lifesaving skills belong in every community. Suicide prevention training equips athletes, parents, teachers, coaches, teammates, and community members to recognize warning signs, start conversations, and help save lives.

To schedule a free QPR training for your school, team, business, or organization, visit the Foundation's website to learn more or request a session. We would be honored to partner with you in building a community where every person feels seen, supported, and never alone.

Join Team Sarah at Malibu Moves!

Last year, the Sarah Shulze Foundation joined Malibu Moves because it brought together two things Sarah loved most—running and community. Malibu was one of her favorite places to run, making the event a meaningful way to honor her life while raising awareness for mental health.

Our inaugural Team Sarah exceeded all expectations, bringing together more than 50 runners and supporters. We celebrated the top three overall finishers in the 5K, had several runners earn Half Marathon and 10K medals, and, most importantly, united in support of a cause that is changing lives.

We're even more excited for Malibu Moves 2026, where the Sarah Shulze Foundation has been selected as an official Philanthropy Partner. Join Team Sarah on Sunday, October 25, 2026, and run or walk the Half Marathon, 10K, or 5K while supporting our mission to advance mental health awareness and student-athlete well-being.

Student-athletes of all ages run free when they join Team Sarah and commit to fundraising for the Foundation. Friends, families, and community members are encouraged to participate, donate, or support a Team Sarah runner through the official Malibu Moves charity platform.

Don't wait to register—Malibu Moves is one of Southern California's premier running events, and spots are expected to fill quickly. Secure your place and help honor Sarah's legacy, one step at a time. For more information or to join Team Sarah, contact the Sarah Shulze Foundation. We can't wait to run with you!

Support Girls on the Run

This year, the Sarah Shulze Foundation was honored to continue supporting Girls on the Run, including participating in Girls on the Run Los Angeles for the first time. Girls on the Run inspires girls to build confidence, develop healthy relationships, and recognize their limitless potential through a fun, evidence-based program that combines running with life skills and social-emotional learning.

Our connection to Girls on the Run is especially meaningful because several of Sarah's teammates participated in the program when they were younger and later introduced us to this incredible organization. Seeing the lasting impact it had on their confidence, leadership, and love of running made us eager to become involved.

Their mission aligns closely with our own. At the Sarah Shulze Foundation, we believe that mental well-being is just as important as physical health, and that every young person deserves the confidence, resilience, and support to thrive both on and off the field of play. We are proud to partner with organizations that empower youth and create positive, supportive communities.

We look forward to continuing our support of Girls on the Run and helping inspire the next generation of strong, confident, and resilient young people.

Sharing Sarah’s Story

Throughout the year, Brigitte had the privilege of speaking at events across the country and in our local community, continuing to share Sarah's story while advocating for student-athlete mental health.

In February, Brigitte led a panel discussion on the impact coaches have on athlete mental well-being at the Coalition of Athletic Communities for Mental Health conference in Denver. She also participated in Athletes for Hope's Athlete Mental Health Week and Virtual Advocacy Day, joining advocates from across the country to promote mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

Closer to home, the Sarah Shulze Foundation participated in mental health fairs at Oak Park High School and Newbury Park High School, providing green ribbons and mental health resources to students and families. In May, Brigitte was honored to speak at Agoura High School's The Hidden Opponent event alongside Gina Meyer of Katie Saves and Dr. Carrie Hastings, sports psychologist, helping encourage open conversations about mental health and supporting student-athletes.

We are grateful for every opportunity to share Sarah's legacy, reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, and remind young people that asking for help is a sign of strength.

Congratulations to our Scholarship Recipients!

Each year, the Sarah Shulze Foundation is honored to recognize young leaders who embody Sarah's kindness, compassion, and commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

This year's Sarah Shulze Foundation Power for Good Scholarship was awarded to Jerry Jin of Oak Park High School. Jerry exemplified outstanding leadership, academic excellence, and a commitment to supporting the well-being of those around him. His dedication to serving both his school and the community reflects the values Sarah lived every day.

We also congratulate Sanjana Dharmakumar, recipient of the Sarah Shulze Foundation Scholarship through the National Charity League (NCL) Conejo Valley Chapter. Sanjana's leadership, service, and compassion made her an exceptional choice for this award, and we are excited to see the positive impact she will continue to make in the future.

Congratulations to Jerry and Sanjana! We wish them every success as they begin this next chapter and continue to be a true Power for Good in their schools, communities, and beyond.

In Conclusion ….

As we look ahead, we remain inspired by the incredible community that continues to stand beside us. Every event, every conversation, every scholarship, every training, and every act of kindness helps carry Sarah's legacy forward and brings hope to others. Thank you for believing in our mission and for helping us create a future where every young person feels seen, supported, and never alone.

To stay up to date on Foundation news, upcoming events, and opportunities to get involved, please follow us on Instagram and visit our website at the Sarah Shulze Foundation. Instagram | Sarah Shulze Foundation website

Thank you for helping us continue Sarah's legacy by being A Power for Good.