I am Richard Arsenault, a father, filmmaker, and advocate who lost my son, Jon, to a brutal act of violence. His death was not only a personal tragedy but also the result of systemic failures in how society treats mental illness and vulnerable people.
The Purple Candle exists to honor Jon’s life, to transform grief into purpose, and to ensure his story helps save others. It is a symbol of remembrance, resilience, and reform—a light that shines against stigma, indifference, and violence. Through advocacy, awareness, and action, Purple Candle carries forward the belief that no life should be devalued, and every person deserves dignity, safety, and compassion.
