Today we’d like to introduce you to Averil Sylve
Hi averil, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 2019, our world changed forever. We lost our only child, Britton Lindsey, an Air Force veteran, in a tragic and unexpected way—on his 25th birthday. Britton was full of life, courage, and a deep sense of service, but what we didn’t know was that he was suffering in silence from mental illness. The pain of losing him was unimaginable, but through that heartbreak, we found purpose.
We created The Do It Big Foundation to honor Britton’s legacy—not just in name, but in action. Our mission is to provide assistance, resources, and services to those affected by mental health struggles and substance abuse issues, ensuring no one has to suffer alone like Britton did. We also extend support to children in social services, recognizing that early intervention and care can change the tragedy of a young life.
Through our work, we aim to break the stigma surrounding mental health, foster open conversations, and provide tangible support to those in need. Britton lived big, loved big, and now, through this foundation, his impact will be just as big.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting The Do It Big Foundation has been a journey filled with both purpose and challenges. Some of the biggest obstacles we have faced include:
1. Coping with Personal Grief While Advocating for Others
Losing Britton was devastating, and turning that pain into purpose has been both healing and difficult. Talking about his story repeatedly in public spaces can be emotionally taxing, but we know that sharing his journey helps others who are struggling.
2. Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health & Substance Abuse
One of the hardest challenges is encouraging open conversations about mental health. Many people still feel ashamed or hesitant to seek help due to stigma. We work to create a safe space for these discussions, but changing perceptions takes time and persistence.
3. Securing Funding and Resources
As a nonprofit, finding the financial resources to sustain and expand our programs is a continuous challenge. We rely on donations, grants, and fundraising efforts, but like many charitable organizations, we often face funding gaps that limit the scale of what we can do.
4. Reaching Those in Need
Even with the best programs, getting the right resources to the right people can be difficult. Many who struggle with mental illness or substance abuse may not know where to turn for help, and some are hesitant to reach out. Building trust in the community and raising awareness of our services requires constant effort.
5. Navigating Bureaucracy and Regulations
Working within the mental health and social services sectors means dealing with policies, laws, and regulations that can sometimes slow down the work we want to do. Whether it’s securing partnerships, obtaining necessary approvals, or complying with legal requirements, the process can be complex and time-consuming.
6. Emotional Toll of Advocacy
Hearing stories from families who have lost loved ones or individuals struggling with mental health and substance abuse is both heartbreaking and motivating. It’s difficult to witness so much pain, but it also reinforces why our work is so important.
Despite these challenges, The Do It Big Foundation continues to push forward, driven by Britton’s memory and the countless lives that can be changed through advocacy, support, and resources. Every obstacle is a reminder of why this work matters.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have a master’s degree in public health, and I am a License Chemical Dependency Counselor,
I am employed with a healthcare system in Houston, Texas. My role is a blend of education, consulting, and hands-on implementation, all aimed at improving healthcare systems and ensuring patients receive the highest quality care.
In my role, I serve as a consultant in population health, working directly with healthcare providers to implement best practices, improve processes, and ensure compliance with federal guidelines. My expertise helps bridge the gap between policy and practice, ensuring that providers can deliver high-quality, patient-centered care.
By combining my clinical knowledge, public health expertise, and process improvement skills, I help healthcare providers deliver better care, reduce disparities, and improve patient health outcomes.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories was being part of Bluebirds and Camp Fire. It was more than just an after-school activity—it was my first experience of belonging to a sisterhood. I was the only person of color and the first to attend my school, but in those moments with my group, I didn’t feel isolated. I learned the value of friendship, leadership, and resilience.
I’ll always be grateful for my teacher, Mrs. McCroskey, who was a constant source of support during that time. There were moments when children were cruel, calling me names rooted in racism—words no child should ever have to hear. But even at six or seven years old, I knew that those words weren’t really about me. I understood that this was something they had learned from the adults around them. Instead of letting it break me, I took it as an opportunity to educate them on who I was, standing firm in my identity.
Looking back, those experiences shaped my strength and my belief in the power of education, understanding, and kindness. They taught me that even in the face of adversity, we have the power to change perceptions—one conversation, one action at a time.
Pricing:
- Donations
Contact Info:
- Website: www.doitbigfoundation.org
- Instagram: @doitbig.43
Image Credits
Photo credit -@James Ural
