Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
A large group came out Saturday morning at the Gogebic Community College for the 2nd annual 'Break the Silence Walk Through the Pain" walk/run for suicide awareness and prevention. Hosted by the Range Suicide Prevention Council, the day consisted of a short program, a 5k walk/run, a 1-mile walk and refreshments at the end.
By KELSEY HANSEN
Ironwood - The second annual "Break Through Silence Walk Through Pain" suicide awareness walk/run was held Saturday morning at the Lindquist Center at the Gogebic Community College.
The event was hosted by the Range Suicide Prevention Council, a group that 'works towards the prevention of premature deaths due to suicide across the life span in our communities through coordinated community action.' According to a spokesperson, the event drew more than 100 participants and raised over $3,000 for suicide prevention to be used in the area.
The event consisted of a half-hour program and a 5k walk/run as well as a 1-mile walk.
Pat Gallinagh, member of the Range Suicide Prevention Council, organized and led the event Saturday.
The event served 'the duel purpose of providing support for all families in our community who have lost a loved one due to suicide and to spread the word that suicide can be prevented.'
A large group of community members made it out for the event to support friends and family who have lost someone due to suicide.
Several tables were set up in the GCC gymnasium with information and resources for suicide awareness, support and prevention.
Three quilts of suicide victims were also on display near the resource tables.
There were three speakers during the program, including Jay Oja who shared his story of losing his brother in high school, Ladd Honkala who shared his experience of losing his son and Pastor Todd Winkler, who shared his experience with helping families deal with suicide as well as providing awareness to local students in the area.
Wearing a 'What would Justin Do?' shirt, Jay Oja spoke on the issue of suicide and his personal experience with handling his brother Justin's suicide.
"What would Justin want me to do now, what would he expect me to do with my life?" Oja shared.
"He would want me to live, laugh, love, to live my life being the person that I am and not sit at home crying and depressed and thinking my life is over because it's not."
Food and drinks were offered after the race and a chance to talk, share and find help in other suicide survivors provided an end to the great event.
