About Me
Founder & Voice Behind the I HAVE Challenge
Vanessa Thompson
I’m Vanessa Thompson. I’m not just the founder of the I HAVE Challenge—I’m someone who knows what it feels like to want to disappear. Someone who has lived with the weight of suicidal thoughts, not just once, but repeatedly throughout life.
This challenge was born from that place—not from a textbook, but from experience. Yes, I have a background in the professional helping field, which includes social work, substance abuse counseling, and more recently, human resources—helping people find purpose and stability through employment. But what matters most is that I’ve been there. And I’m still here.
I created the I HAVE Challenge to give voice to the silent struggle—mine, and yours. This is a space for truth, for healing, for hope, and for reminding ourselves that choosing to live is an act of courage. Every single day. If you’ve ever thought about ending your life, I want you to know:
I HAVE.
But I CHOOSE to live.
And I hope you will too.
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