Gerda Verboom

He was 34 years old 🇺🇸 🕊️ Born not breathing after a prolonged labour (described as a doctor's error), causing him brain damage that led to cerebral palsy. Adopted weeks after birth because his mother had ovarian cancer and was told she could not have children. His younger sister arrived unexpectedly 11 years later. Learned he was adopted around age 6–8 when a stepbrother bluntly told him his parents "don’t love you" As a toddler, his legs were cast for six months; doctors predicted he would need a wheelchair for life. His mother stretched his legs daily. He credits her persistence (and soccer) with helping him outgrow braces and crutches. Shortly after his sister's birth, his mother was paralysed in a car accident. As a child he changed diapers, cared for her, and became the family's main breadwinner by 13 Severely bullied. His peers pushed him, stomped on and broke his hand and foot. His mother shouted "Run, Forrest, Run!" while he played soccer in braces and casts. His father had bipolar disorder and schizophrenia with little involvement; grandparents largely filled the parental role. He has said he devoted his life to supporting his mother and sister and continued doing so as an adult. As a teenager during Breaking Bad, he took ballroom dancing lessons (joking it was a social way to meet girls). His maternal grandfather, who used a wheelchair after a stroke, taught him that "can't is a decision" He and longtime partner Kennedy Suarez (together since 2018) became engaged in late 2025. He was promoting new projects in the days before his death. . . . . . Oh my He has faced sooo much. So soooo much. Just look at all what he has faced. His mother, his father, his grandfather, etc Then he became an adult at 13 years old and had to take care of his sister when his mother was paralysed in the accident. The bullying, everything. . . So much painful history he has had. So many experiences at childhood. They probably came flooding back to him recently and he just couldn't take it any longer. He just couldn't anymore. . . I don't know what to say. I'm very weak just writing all these and reading his history. But if you are reading this and you have suicidal thoughts, before you commit anything, let's first talk and chat. Please reach out to me anyhow you can. I'd love to see the memories you've created on Earth and share mine with you as well. I won't judge you. Let's just share good memories with each other and perhaps see if we can create some more on this Earth. Perhaps it might give us a reason to hang on a little more Perhaps . . . Your smile is my inspiration ❤️