'Free moms' help NC State students cope with heartbreak of losing classmates

Adam Fawcett, a first-year student in the College of Engineering. A university spokesperson said the death was “unintended.”

Fawcett’s death is the sixth student death since August. Four students died by suicide. A preliminary investigation showed no signs of foul play or that Fawcett's death was intentional.

“It is a lot,” said Makala Wright, a junior at NC State. “I don’t think people’s mental health is in a good place right now.”

NC State hosted a drop-in counseling session Monday night for students who knew Fawcett and they continue to make counselors available for anyone who needs support.

To help students cope with the stress and anxiety of college, Nancy Nelson organized the “Free Moms” group to offer students hugs, snacks, conversation and support.

The movement has grown to about 80 “free moms,” “free dads,” and “free pets,” which grace campus outside of Talley Student Union every Thursday from 1-4 p.m.

“We can feel the impact on the kids and their hearts,” said Nelson. “Many of them tear up.”

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Kate Theriot started volunteering as a “free mom” during the fall semester.

“We are here to be their family to love on them the way their mom or dad would,” Theriot said. “Just to let them know somebody’s here. We don’t want to lose any more students in any way.”

Nelson said dozens of students can be seen gathering in the area before the event begins.

Banks Peete, a student from Greensboro, said he frequents the Thursday gatherings because “these moms show that there is unconditional love, no strings attached.”