As a retired fireman with PTSD, I founded Skunk Prints to print for a cause, so others may live.

My name is Andrew, I was a fireman in Indianapolis and a paramedic before that. Being a firefighter wasn’t just my job—it was who I was. Every call, every life saved, every moment of running toward danger gave me purpose. I loved it, deeply. But in March, 2024, everything changed. During an active shooter incident in Indianapolis, we came within moments of losing our lives. That day left me with scars I couldn’t see, ones that ran deeper than I could have imagined: severe PTSD. The weight of that trauma forced me to retire from the work that defined me, leaving a void I didn’t know how to fill.

PTSD is a heavy thing. It’s not just memories or nightmares—it’s a fog that clouds your days, making it hard to find a reason to get up, to move forward, to feel like you’re still you. I couldn’t go back to firefighting ever again, I felt lost, like I’d never find my way. There has been days when motivation seems impossible, when the idea of purpose feels like something meant for someone else. But in that darkness, I found a spark, a small but stubborn light that led me to creating Skunk Prints.

That spark came from my friend Jay, known as FilliFuu on Patreon. Jay is a designer with a gift for creating things that bring joy, like the Pangolin design that would later become part of my HyperFlexi™ Animals. During my lowest moments, when I was grappling with PTSD and searching for a reason to keep going, Jay showed me something profound: the act of creating something good, something that makes people smile, can be a lifeline. He didn’t just share his designs; he shared his passion, his belief that putting beauty into the world matters. Watching him create reminded me that I could still make a difference, even if it looked different from what I’d done before.

Designing HyperFlexi™ Animals became my way of holding on. Each piece—whether it’s the Squirrel scampering across a desk or the Pangolin curling into a ball—is a small victory, a reminder that I can still create, still contribute, still find joy. These animals, aren’t just objects to me. They’re proof that even when life feels broken, you can build something new. They’re my way of saying, “I’m still here, and I’m still fighting.”

I started Skunk Prints because I want others to know they can find their spark, too. Mental health struggles—whether from trauma, loss, or the weight of life—can make you feel like you’re stuck, like there’s no way forward. I’ve been there, and I’m still there some days. But I’ve learned that inspiration can come from unexpected places, like a friend who believes in you or a moment of creating something that feels good. For me, it was Jay’s encouragement and guidance in the process of designing HyperFlexi™ Animals. For you, it might be something else—a hobby, a conversation, a small act of kindness.

My hope for Skunk Prints is that it becomes a light where people struggling with mental health can see that it’s okay to feel lost, and it’s okay to keep searching for what lights you up. I want these HyperFlexi™ Animals to be more than fidgets—they’re reminders that we’re all in this together, that we can inspire each other to keep going. If you’re reading this and you’re struggling, I want you to know: you don’t have to have it all figured out. You just need to find one thing, one small thing, that gives you a reason to try again tomorrow.

I’m still learning how to navigate this new chapter, but every design feels like a step toward healing. I hope you’ll join me in this journey, whether by creating, sharing your story, or simply holding on to hope. We can do this—together.

Thanks FilliFuu

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national hotline offering one-on-one support for mental health, suicide, and substance use-related problems for anyone 24/7. No matter where you are in the United States, you can call or text the number 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org and connect with a skilled, compassionate crisis counselor.