As I entered the PCBN Broadcasting Studio on Thursday, June 13th, 2024, I was greeted by an atmosphere of both celebration and solemn remembrance at the Fathers Day Award Celebration presented by PCBN and The United Haitian American Chamber Of Commerce. The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the Father of the Year winner, Laisner Celus, a man whose resilience and compassion have touched the hearts of many.
Standing proudly beside his wife, Julia Legiste, Laisner Celus graciously accepted his award and took the stage to share his heartfelt story. The couple, who tragically lost their son Nerbenski, have channeled their grief into a powerful mission to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention in the Haitian and Caribbean community. Their dedication to this cause was a key factor in Laisner Celus being honored with the prestigious award.
Laisner Celus, who owns and operates a luxury event center that serves the community, along with a health and wellness business, spoke candidly about the emotional toll their family endured following the loss of their son. The financial strain from funeral expenses coupled with the mental and emotional distress led to the closure of their health and wellness business. Despite their hardships, Laisner and Julia remain steadfast in their commitment to promoting mental well-being and open communication.
Their speech that evening was a poignant reminder of the importance of self-care and reaching out for support in times of need. Their inspiring message resonated deeply with the audience, encouraging everyone to prioritize their mental health and to be there for others when their minds are troubled.
As I left the event that night, I couldn’t help but feel moved by the courage and resilience displayed by Laisner Celus and his wife. Their story serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action for us all to take care of ourselves and to support those around us during life’s most challenging moments.
If you missed the fathers day award celebration, Happy Fathers day to you! Here’s to you until next year!
Here is the speech given by Laisner Celus’ wife to her husband that deeply moved the audience that evening.
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