Choose hope

EDITOR:

The strength of our special community was brought to light Sept. 12 by the many people who participated in our annual "Walk in Memory, Walk for Hope."

We turned an ordinary Saturday morning to one that brought awareness to Carson Valley regarding those lives that were lost through suicide and for those we will not forget.

We couldn't have been as successful without the outpouring of help from Smith's, Starbucks, Cafe Girasole, A Wildflower, the Town of Gardnerville, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Keith Cole and Tricia Wentz from Douglas High School with students from the psychology class and Tigers Helping Each Other and the "Ring in Kindness" project led by Melinda Matus.

We appreciate all those who made this possible and the many walkers who wanted to keep their loved ones remembered.

From the very special flower ceremony, to the balloons with special messages let off into the brilliant September sunshine, we were there with a spirit and passion to reach out in hope.

Many thanks to Sheriff Ron Pierini, Sgt. Bernadette Smith and Deputy John Munk for their participation.

Representative Yolanda Garcia, read a letter from Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., commemorating our efforts to raise awareness about the devastation of suicide and the promise of hope through prevention.

Our sincerest thanks to the friends and family members who marched down Highway 395 in memory of their loved ones lost to suicide. Some came from as far as Bridgeport, Calif.

This was our third Walk in Memory, Walk for Hope, and it wouldn't have happened without the tireless efforts of Jodi Wass who facilitates the Survivors of Suicide Support Group and the Partnership of Community Resources which provides our office space and so many resources.

Members of the Suicide Prevention Network board of directors and advisory board have been busy since the first of the year on our goal of raising awareness of the terrible numbers of suicides in Douglas County and offering hope and assistance that this tragedy can be prevented.

Through events like the memory walk and with the support of the community, we come closer every day to our goal. Thank you.

Debbie Posnien

Executive Director

Suicide Prevention Network

of Douglas County