Suicide is something that I’ve always heard about and heard secondhand how tragic it is, but had never experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide until recently.
If you’re able, please consider donating to this cause.
Anxiety, depression, and the general feeling of worthlessness are all a reality I know well. I woke up to these feelings every day for a very long time. As a teenager, it felt more and more difficult to find purpose especially when, so often, I was made to feel like an outcast. However, I learned that these feelings were not what defined me. I learned how to be present and mindful in the moment, seeing the good in the midst of the bad. Mentors, teachers, family, and friends poured into my life to show me the truth about my worth and my future. And for the first time in a long time, I saw that my future wasn’t defined by my past, but rather that I could use my past to influence my future for the better. My story is my own, and I would love to discuss the depths of my story in time, but I’m one of the lucky ones who made it through. I’ve watched my friends, family, and even students in my ministry struggle with self-harm.. A few ending in tragedy.
I’m supporting this cause because life is priceless. I’m asking you to give a small amount in order to potentially give the most valuable thing to someone on the fringe of suicide: hope. I genuinely believe that hope in the future, freedom from the past, and healthy conversation can be the difference between life and death. If we cannot stand up to fight for people who struggle with their mental health (myself included) we cannot stand together at all. Although I am unable to attend the walk, I highly encourage you to gather a group together and stand for life!
My family and I are walking to show support and love for our family and friends that struggle with depression, and for my sister who’s friend Annie lost her own battle and her friends and family wondering what the could have done. If you feel like contributing come join us or consider a small donation to these mental health organizations to get them the help they need.
Mental illnesses make it hard for people
day-to-day in an unseen way that leave
them feeling isolated and invisible.
September is National Suicide Prevention
Month, and we need to remember that we
don’t know what that the other person is going through.
We never know who is being affected or
how much impact a simple action could
make. Please consider donating to this
cause and supporting my contribution to this event.
There are 129 suicides every day in the United States, with a suicide occurring every 12 minutes—and suicide rates increase at night. Strength 2 Thrive is designed to help people struggling with suicidal thoughts to know they are not alone—they have value. You can help give them the Strength 2 Thrive to discover the hope tomorrow brings!
What is Strength 2 Thrive? It’s a walk-a-thon, concert, and gathering that we hope will bring people together to raise awareness about suicide and build a community of support.
Give a gift to support the mission of Strength 2 Thrive! Your donation will help to raise awareness about mental health issues and be donated to national and local suicide prevention charities.
Suicide is a big thing that affects everyone in life. I don’t know someone who has struggled with suicide directly but I see my dad help people in this area often. I don’t want to ever see a family go through that pain and suffering. By donating to this cause your not just supporting a prevention walk you are changing lives altogether because you’re giving hope. Your donations will create hope. The money raised will help give more support to the suicide hotline.
Last year this month, my world was flipped upside down when we received news of the passing of my cousin, Logan. I had grown up with him—he was 3 years younger than me and he and his sister were more like best friends than cousins. The days following were a blur, I cried into the arms of various friends and teachers and wished that this had never happened to me. I miss Logan with every ounce of my soul and I hope no family has to go through the same. Logan is why I walk.
Mental health affects each and every one of us. August 4th marked a year since a dear friend took his life and a cousin took her life a couple months ago. We have an opportunity as a community and as human beings to provide a comfortable place where we can seek or provide help.
Please show some support for this awesome event and donate to help prevent suicide in this great state.
