TEAM BE BETTER; Brings Former Detroit Lions Quarterback Erik Kramer and His Powerful Comeback Story to Holland for Gala
TEAM BE BETTER; Brings Former Detroit Lions Quarterback Erik Kramer and His Powerful Comeback Story to Holland for Gala
Kramer shares hope, resilience, and purpose with families navigating mental health
HOLLAND, Mich. (January 21, 2026) — Former Detroit Lions quarterback Erik Kramer, who led the team to its first NFC Championship appearance in 1991, returns to Michigan this March with a story much bigger than football. The Lions Legend will serve as the keynote speaker at the TEAM BE BETTER; “Saddles and Sequins” Gala on Friday, March 6, 2026.
The annual TEAM BE BETTER; fundraiser will support the nonprofit organization’s mission to provide free, family-centered mental health support, education, and personalized care plans for teens, young adults, and student-athletes.
Beyond his NFL accomplishments with the Lions, Chicago Bears, and Atlanta Falcons, Kramer is recognized for his powerful journey toward hope. After losing his son and facing severe depression, Kramer survived a suicide attempt and rebuilt his life serving student-athletes. His inspiring story, detailed in the bestselling memoir “The Ultimate Comeback: Surviving a Suicide Attempt, Conquering Depression, and Living with a Purpose,” has also been shared by NFL Films.
“Mental illness affects professional athletes, parents, students, and families alike,” said Kramer. “I firmly believe families can positively influence mental health outcomes early on. Mental resilience complements the work young athletes put in on the field and supports them through school and beyond. I’m honored to support TEAM BE BETTER; and the lifesaving work they’re doing for families in Michigan.”
Mental Health Takes a TEAM
TEAM BE BETTER; was founded in 2021 by Holland parents Steve and Jill Miskelley after their son, Ian, died by suicide. Ian was a scholarship swimmer at the University of Michigan who bravely battled mental illness for most of his life. During Ian’s mental health journey, the Miskelley family felt sidelined by a complex system that often excludes families when they are needed most.
They transformed their grief into a powerful mission by creating a care model that supports and engages families at every step of the journey. Since launching, TEAM BE BETTER; has:
- Served more than 300 West Michigan families
- Provided nearly 2,000 no-cost consultations to individuals, families educators, coaches, and teams
- Opened a new consultation and community education center in Holland
- Begun building a statewide network of providers who align with the family-centered care model
TEAM BE BETTER; focuses on families of young people ages 13 to 25 and student-athletes. This is when mental health challenges most often emerge. At least one in three students and student-athletes shows signs of anxiety, depression, or other symptoms of mental illness.
“We regularly asked what more we could do to help our child. The mental health system offers a very different experience from what families encounter with a physical injury or illness. Erik’s journey reflects the challenges many families face, and his resilience offers vital hope,” said Steve Miskelley, co-founder of TEAM BE BETTER;. “TEAM BE BETTER; invites families, coaches, educators, and others to wrap around a young person with a tailored plan and increased communication.”
TEAM BE BETTER; offers a place for families to turn when they’re exploring next steps and need answers. The consultations and personalized education also help preserve the community’s urgent mental health care facilities for crises.
Funds raised at the March 6 gala will support:
- Free family-centered mental health consultations
- Personalized care plans and screenings
- Mental health education for parents, schools, and teams
- Expedited referrals into care
West Michigan Families are Invited to the TEAM BE BETTER; Gala
WHAT:3rd Annual TEAM BE BETTER; Gala – “Saddles and Sequins”
WHERE: Warehouse 6
136 E. 6th Street
Holland, MI 49423
WHEN: Friday, March 6, 2026
6:30 – 9:00 p.m. EST
VIP Entry at 6:00 p.m. for Erik Kramer book signing
TICKETS:$150 per person
Sponsorships available
About TEAM BE BETTER;
Based in Holland, Michigan, TEAM BE BETTER; provides free, family-centered mental health support, education, and advocacy for adolescents, young adults, and student-athletes. Jill and Steve Miskelley founded TEAM BE BETTER; with guidance from Dr. Michael Brashears Psy.D. The nonprofit was created in honor of Ian Miskelley, a University of Michigan swimmer who died by suicide in 2020. Their Ian’s TEAM model surrounds every client with lifelong support. Learn more at www.teambebetter.org.