Bella’s Story: A Sock That Carries a Voice
September is Suicide Awareness Month
A time that hits close to home for me, both as a veteran and as a human being who has witnessed too much loss.
When I served in the military, suicide was heartbreakingly common. I lost soldiers. I saw families grieve. And I felt the kind of helplessness that never really leaves you. According to the CDC, suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals ages 10–34 in the United States. But those aren’t just statistics, they’re people.
Not long ago, someone shared a message that truly resonated with me:
“Paden, you have the power to bring so much awareness to suicide prevention through SickFit. You can help people walk through life.”
And then, Bella’s story came into our world.
Bella Hughes
Bella was full of life, kind, radiant, loved deeply by her family and friends. But like so many, she battled silent struggles. Her loved ones asked us to honor her with something simple but meaningful: a sock.
We didn’t hesitate. We created the Bella’s Story sock not to profit, but to listen. To hold space. To remember. We gifted the socks to her family, and while Bella’s funeral has already passed, a portion of proceeds from ongoing sales continues to support the family and raise awareness for mental health.
This isn’t a new sock. We’ve had it for over a year. And we continue to restock it not because of hype, but because of the impact and footprint it leaves behind.
The other day, I got a text that stopped me in my tracks:
“Paden, I lost my brother. A group of us wore the Bella’s Story socks during a run, and we all connected over them—sharing stories, remembering happy moments, and honoring the people we’ve lost.”
That’s what this sock does. It becomes more than fabric. It becomes a connection point, something you carry with you on the hard days and the healing ones.
Our Mission
At SickFit, we believe socks aren’t just socks. They’re movement pieces—they carry stories, they spark conversations, they go places we can’t always go ourselves.
Our mission has always been bigger than performance gear. Socks can tell stories and Bella’s Story is one of the most important we’ve ever had the privilege to carry.
This collaboration is more than a product. It’s a catalyst.
A small but mighty way to say:
- You’re not alone.
- I see you.
- What’s your story?
Because when someone asks Who’s Bella? — they don’t just hear about her. They learn to talk about suicide. They learn how important it is to check in, to care, to speak up.
True strength isn't about powering through in silence. It’s about connection. It’s being the person who listens. It’s asking the hard questions. And sometimes it’s honoring a life with a sock.
This is about more than one family. It’s about all of us. Because someone out there needs the reminder that they’re still here for a reason. And sometimes, that reminder starts at your feet.
Let’s make Bella’s story more than a memory. Let’s make it a movement. 💛
If you or someone you love is struggling, please—reach out. There’s always help.
Call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
