Walk in hope

EDITOR:

The Suicide Prevention Network of Douglas County was humbled and overwhelmed by all who participated in the Walk in Memory, Walk for Hope.

Many came as survivors, who have been forced to learn to live without their loved ones. Others came in support of the Suicide Prevention Network, and others simply came to increase the awareness of suicide in our community. Suicide is everyone's business. In the group of over 120 who participated, it was the teens who spoke to each one of us more loudly than ever. It was these young faces who came because many of them had known a friend who had ended their life due to suicide. These young people do not want to experience another young life to suicide and believe with their help we could all make a difference in someone's life.

We have all learned we must walk the journey together, and little by little see the hope through sometimes the very dark cloud. The sun shined brightly for those who walked through Gardnerville and Minden holding signs in support. A tree of life ceremony concluded the morning with all participants taking home their own small tree to be planted at their own homes.

Events like these do not happen without many helping hands. It is because of the many volunteers who stepped up to make it happen. We appreciate:

Orita Keebaugh, Dayla Marsh, Melinda Matus, Michelle Matus, Douglas High Psi Mu Sigma Advisor Keith Cole, Tahoe Youth and Family, Pastor Pete Nelson, Sheriff Ron Perini, Carson Valley Quilt Guild, Mary Kay Kaluza, Jeff Marsh, Building Concepts, Inc., Russell's, Sugarplum Bakery & Treats, Scolari's, Costco, Fitzhenry's Funeral Home, Walton's Funeral Home, Garden Cemetery in Gardnerville, Carson Tahoe Behavioral Health Services, Carson Valley Medical Center, Kaffer Family, Carson City Health and Human Services, Walmart, Douglas County Sheriff's Explorers, Elder Vernon Wyatt, Yolanda Garcia, from Sen. Harry Reid's office, Rob Rice and Allison from Mountain View Tree Farm, Mike Denson, Town of Gardnerville, Reno Crisis Call Center, Lira's Market, Arlene Zeidler, Clarke Flatt-Jason Foundation, Ron Terrell for Sharkey's marquee, Douglas County Sheriff's Search & Rescue, Gardnerville Volunteer Fire Department, Bernadette Smith, Main Street Gardnerville, Meeks Lumber, over 10 special donations, and for the support each day from the Suicide Prevention Board of Directors, Suicide Prevention Advisory Board, Survivors of Suicide Support Group, Orita Keebaugh, facilitator, and Capt. Terry Taylor of East Fork Fire District.

We also want to thank those survivors who were there in support and in memory.

Debbie Posnien

Executive Director of Suicide

prevention network of Douglas County