'Love Like Casey' Walk Scheduled This Weekend In Fairfield

FAIRFIELD, CT — A walk to help raise awareness of mental health issues is scheduled for Fairfield Ludlowe High School's Taft Field from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 16.

Love Like Casey is an organization founded by the family of the late Casey Stopa, a Fairfield Warde graduate who took his own life in 2024, at the age of 29.

The walk and the organization are in honor of Casey, who is remembered as a "loving son, brother, uncle and friend to many."

"The event will include a community walk, field games, breakfast, live music, and guest speakers—all centered around the belief that no one should ever feel alone," organizers wrote about Saturday's event.

In addition to Love Like Casey, Saturday's event is also organized by Fairfield Ludlowe clubs The Nest and Athletes for Mental Health. Casey father, Jeff Stopa, is also a substitute teacher at the school.

"At Ludlowe, we like to say, 'Your Falcon Footprint Matters,'" wrote Principal Greg Hatzis in a message to the school community. "Part of leaving a positive footprint is to support worthy causes and come together to raise awareness."

About the foundation and the Stopa family, Hatzis added, "They believe no one should ever walk alone. Come on down to the event on Saturday with lots of activities, music, food, and our AP Psychology students sharing information about the importance of mental health. Please consider sponsoring your own team or contributing financially. All donations go to supporting people directly or to educating others about resources available."

For more information about the Love Like Casey community walk and event, click here.