When Towson resident Kyra Kolbe Vocci speaks about her younger sister, Andrea Kolbe, her voice carries equal parts love and heartbreak. Andrea was known for her radiant spirit, a woman whose passion for dance, laughter, and the beauty of everyday life inspired everyone around her. She met her husband, Chazz, in a dance program, and in June 2020, the two were married. Just three years later, in August 2023, they welcomed their son, Harbor.
Andrea Kolbe with her son Harbor
Andrea’s pregnancy was healthy, and she stepped into motherhood surrounded by love from her family, her husband, and her vibrant dance community. But beneath the joy of new life, Andrea struggled silently. She was experiencing postpartum depression (PPD), a condition that affects one in seven new mothers, according to the American Psychological Association. Left untreated, postpartum depression and its more severe form, postpartum psychosis, can have devastating consequences.
On December 11, 2023, the day after celebrating her 35th birthday, Andrea died by suicide, only 15 weeks after giving birth. Her sudden death left her family and community reeling and searching for ways to carry forward her light and prevent other families from experiencing such tragedy.
For Kyra Vocci, Andrea’s sister and best friend, the loss was life-altering. But rather than allow her grief to remain silent, Kyra chose to channel it into action.
Sisters: Andrea and Kyra
Andrea and her Mom
Finding Purpose in Pain
Raised in Montgomery County and now raising her own two sons in Towson with her husband, Kyra has built a career in higher education. With a degree in business management from Washington College and 16 years at Johns Hopkins University, she now serves as the manager of the Ralph O’Connor Sustainable Energy Institute. But in the wake of Andrea’s passing, her personal mission shifted.
“Women are not prepared for postpartum,” Kyra says plainly. “Andrea didn’t get the critical healthcare and support she needed. That can’t keep happening.”
While searching for answers, Kyra discovered Postpartum Support International, an organization dedicated to helping families navigate maternal mental health challenges. That discovery lit a fire in her. On May 1, 2024, World Maternal Mental Health Day, Kyra announced the launch of The Andrea’s Wish Foundation, named in honor of her sister.
A Foundation Built on Love and Advocacy
Andrea’s Wish Foundation seeks to transform heartbreak into hope. Its mission is to raise awareness of postpartum depression, improve access to resources, fund scientific research, and advocate for maternal mental health policy reform.
The foundation is not just a tribute to Andrea’s life but also a vehicle for change. Kyra envisions programs that provide scholarships for therapy and treatment, educational initiatives to prepare families for the postpartum experience, and national advocacy to ensure mothers are supported rather than stigmatized.
“Too often, we only talk about postpartum depression after it’s too late,” Kyra explains. “My goal is to make sure every mother knows what to look for, and that care is available and accessible.”
Andrea’s legacy, she hopes, will be a future where no family is blindsided by the hidden weight of maternal mental illness.
Suicide Prevention Month and Maternal Mental Health
September marks Suicide Prevention Awareness Month—a time dedicated to breaking silence, reducing stigma, and offering hope. For Kyra, the timing underscores the urgency of her work. Suicide is a leading cause of maternal death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Studies show that up to 20% of women experience postpartum depression, and when left untreated, it can escalate into suicidal thoughts or postpartum psychosis.
The numbers are sobering, but Kyra believes that awareness paired with action can save lives. By raising funds and educating communities, Andrea’s Wish Foundation aims to change the conversation about maternal health from one of stigma and silence to one of openness and support.
Carrying Andrea’s Light
Those who knew Andrea remember her as a person who cherished walks in nature, trips to the beach, and the simple beauty of sunrises and sunsets. She poured her energy into teaching dance, mentoring young performers, and building a loving home for her son.
Kyra often reflects on her sister’s kindness and zest for life as motivation to keep moving forward. “Andrea was my best friend,” she says. “If sharing her story prevents even one family from losing a mother, then her legacy will have made a difference.”
Through Andrea’s Wish Foundation, Kyra is determined to carry her sister’s light into the world. She wants mothers to know they are not alone, that resources exist, and that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but of courage.
A Call to Action
As Suicide Prevention Month encourages communities nationwide to speak up, Kyra is inviting others to join her mission. Whether through donations, participation in fundraising events, or simply sharing Andrea’s story, she hopes to build a movement of awareness and compassion.
“Grief never goes away,” Kyra says. “But it can be transformed. Andrea deserved help. Every mother does.”
The Andrea’s Wish Foundation stands as a testament not only to Andrea’s memory but also to the resilience of a sister determined to ensure no one else suffers in silence. In shining a light on postpartum depression and suicide, Kyra is creating pathways of hope—one story, one family, and one mother at a time.
About Andrea’s Wish Foundation
The Andrea’s Wish Foundation is dedicated to honoring the life and legacy of Andrea Kolbe by raising awareness and improving access to resources for postpartum depression and maternal mental healthcare. Its mission is to bring hope to those affected by postpartum depression and suicide through funding scientific research, educating the public, and advocating for public policies in maternal mental health.
The Andrea's Wish Foundation (Fund) is made possible through the generous donations of family, friends, and individuals who believe in raising awareness and improving access to resources for postpartum depression and maternal mental healthcare. We are immensely grateful to them for giving us the privilege to contribute to organizations and causes in the community that we deeply care about.
