In November of 2003, Ken Dignan began an annual Memorial Concert on behalf of his son Ryan Lee Dignan, who died by suicide on December 14, 2002 at 20 years of age. He also suffered from bipolar disorder

Ken had the idea to sponsor a concert with nationally known artists who sang positive contemporary Christian music. He would invite students and familes to hear the music and receive a message about bipolar awaareness and suicide prevention. They would also raise money for The American Foundation of Suicide Prevention.

The following is a newspaper article written after a concert in 2006 by  Eloise Marie Valadez of the Chicago Daily Southtown:

Christian bands help to ‘erase stigma’ of mental disorders ON THE TOWN Contemporary Christian rock groups the Turning, the Inhabited and Jonah 33 performed Saturday night at the fourth annual Ryan Dignan Memorial Concert. The goal of the three-hour event, held in Trinity Christian College’s Ozinga Chapel in Palos Heights, was to spread awareness of bipolar disorder and mental illness and to honor Ryan Dignan, who committed suicide in 2002 at age 20.

Dr. Kenneth Dignan, Ryan’s father and pastor of Eagle Rock Community Church in Orland Park, conceived the idea in 2002 as a way to celebrate his son’s life. “It really helps me to have found a way to honor my son’s memory,” said Dignan of the event, which attracted 200 people this year. “It’s also a way to express concern for young people who have bipolar disorder. “Ryan liked music and I like music. Music can move people,” he said. In addition to the concert, representatives from counseling groups, church ministry organizations, mental health groups and other groups provided information and were on hand to talk to concert goers.

Dignan said he’d like to assist in “erasing the stigma of mental illness” and encourage people to seek help. “If I can help one person or one family, the work I’m doing is worth it to me,” he said. The pastor also founded Til Healing Comes Ministries and the Ryan Dignan Association, a nonprofit group that promotes awareness of bipolar disorder. Debbie Maish, secretary for Eagle Rock Church, said the concert offers “an opportunity to reach out to kids who are struggling, whether they have a faith” or not.

Counselors Doreen Zaborac, the Rev. Leon McClimans and Deborah D. Wilkerson, of Southside Christian Counseling Center in Tinley Park, were in attendance. “We want to let hurting teens and all people know that there is hope,” Zaborac said. “It’s an illness in which people feel there is no cure and some of them give up hope. “We want them to know there is life after bipolar.”

Trinity students Lauren Verdon, of Homer Glen, and Britney Hilleshiem, of Madison, Wis., said they couldn’t pass up the show. “It’s a good cause and I know people who’ve committed suicide. This is a good way to spread awareness,” Verdon said. Hilleshiem added that the bands were enjoyable and perfect for this type of event. “I love music,” Hilleshiem said. “They’re singing for God and that’s what I’m all about.”

Also on hand were Judy Redican, prayer leader at Illinois House of Hope, and Debbie Gutraj, a volunteer with the House of Hope, both of which serve teens and families. “We’re here to get the word out to teens that we offer a free counseling service if they’re hurting and need someone to talk to,” Redican said.

It was a pleasant evening for Joshua Aldrin, of Woodridge, who joined friends at the event. “I’m happy to be here because it’s a good cause. It’s important to help people,” Aldrin said. Also enjoying the show were Rick Virgl, pastor of Faith Church in Downers Grove, and his guests Nick Alcantara, of Burr Ridge, and Kyle Salazar, of Westmont. “It’s important to support local ministries and Christian bands,” Virgl said.

While the concert was free, donations were accepted for Til Healing Comes Ministries and the Ryan Dignan Association.