MASON CITY, Iowa. – Lorena and Scott Bergan started Kaitlin’s Heart For Heroes to offer mental health resources to Iowa first responders.
After serving as a volunteer firefighter and paramedic in Iowa and Tennessee, Kaitlin Bergan took her own life at the age of 27 after losing her fiancé and battling with PTSD. Her fiancé, Jason, was on the path to becoming an EMT before tragedy unfolded.
“He was actually going to a final training to be a certified EMT and stopped upon an accident he came across and stepped out of the vehicle and got hit by a semi,” said Scott.
They said Kaitlin struggled to cope with the loss, leading to her death on April 27th, 2022.
“It’s devastating. I wish people would understand that the Kaitlin they were talking to that whole last year was not healthy and after she lost her fiancé, not the same person at all,” said Lorena.
They said Kaitlin’s passion for helping others started at a young age growing up in Mason City
“In first grade, she would always look at someone and say ‘oh they need a little help’ I’m going to go over there,” said Lorena.
Lorena and Scott tell KIMT News 3 they are hoping to continue her legacy through the nonprofit.
“We’re basically trying to help carry on what Kaitlin started as far as helping others,” said Scott.
The organization said if any first responder or department reaches out to it, the nonprofit will send care packages to the person or group containing mental health resources and items. Kaitlin’s Heart For Heroes will check in on the person every three months. It’s website offers a virtual chat room with a therapist willing to talk over text or the phone.
