The Smiths

Stephanie and Ernie met in 1989 at Edinburgh High School when they were 15 and 17 years old. They married 3 years later, and welcomed their first child, Chelsea, shortly thereafter. As the family got settled in Taylorsville, IN, they celebrated the birth of their son, Austin, in 1997. In 2007, the family relocated to Avon, where they still live today.

While Steph was busy caring for children at her in-home daycare, and Chelsea enjoying time with her friends, singing, and practicing cheer, you could find Ernie and Austin at the baseball diamond, where Austin excelled at the sport. Austin had a natural capability to not only do things well, but masterfully, and with ease. The guitar was no match for his ability to navigate the fretboard and pick up melodies by ear. In the kitchen, he whipped together made-up recipes that could go head-to-head against someone with years of culinary experience. With enough talent that surely allowed him the right to boast, Austin kept a humble, kind, and caring spirit. 

Chelsea, also exuding a similar kindness and care, gained a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from IUPUI that led her to work as an ABA Certified Therapist for children with Autism. Now, after returning to school for a second degree in Nursing, Chelsea finds herself working multiple psych units as an RN, where she has been recognized by both her colleagues and patients as someone who provides outstanding care. As a psych nurse, Chelsea is devoted to advocating and caring for her patients who face similar mental health and addiction struggles as her brother. She also volunteers at Westlake church in Avon, serving the congregation as one of the worship leaders. She lives with her husband, son, and two pets, in Indianapolis.

Today, Steph works part time, while watching her first grand baby on her days off. She enjoys time with her family, shopping, and volunteering her time towards causes she is passionate about. Ernie continues to work full time in sales for a global machinery parts company, also enjoying lots of time with his grandson, fishing, and watching IU sports. The couple recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary.

Steph, Ernie, Chelsea and her family, regularly spend time together, cherishing the moments, the laughter, and most importantly, the love.

In March of 2021, Austin passed after a long struggle with mental health and addiction. Not being one to stand idly by, Stephanie Smith organized this event to help raise awareness and fight against what ultimately took her son. The first walk was held May 7th, 2022, and saw a turnout that was greater than any of us expected, going off without a hitch. On the heels of that success, it was decided that the Stop the Stigma 5k would be an annual event, and that we will continue to do outreach throughout the year in support of its mission.