The 16th Annual Suicide Awareness Memorial Walk honors those affected by suicide

For the past sixteen years, community members in Carlton have gathered on the second Saturday in October for a Suicide Awareness Memorial Walk.

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“It seems to have grown over the years and today we have quite a large group that came. I know there’s some people that this is their first walk that they’ve come to. So, it’s been just a really good support network for people over the years,” said parent survivor Jo Angell.

Many of the event’s participants came to honor a loved one lost to suicide and find support in others. many brought signs, wore custom t-shirts, or just added their name to the list of loved ones remembered on the walk.

“It’s been very therapeutic over the years. I didn’t realize that actually until recently. It’s been where I’ve been able to plug in and it was on my heart from the beginning to do a memorial walk, not a fundraiser. And so, it’s been very helpful and healing for me. And I think the same for others too,” said Angell.

The event’s main speaker, Mara Luar, found solace in writing after losing their first love to suicide as a teen. Now, they hope their collection of poetry will help others through their grieving process.

“It’s so special to be here and see this turnout. I feel like in all communities, especially small rural ones, there needs to be more awareness, advocacy, resources, like events like this. And the people putting it on are amazing and I’m just so happy to see this great turnout here because people showing up to these events is a step in the right direction,” said Luar.

And even after sixteen years, community support continues to grow for those affected by suicide.

“I encourage everyone and anyone to come. I would rarely say there’s, you know, everyone has been touched by suicide. I think there would be very few people that happened and whether it was directly or indirectly. And so, I just encourage people to come and get the support that they need,” said Angell.

To pre-order First Love/First Death: Poetry from a suicide loss survivor, by Mara Luar; go to first love//first death: poetry from a suicide loss survivor by Mara Luar, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

If you or someone you know is in need of mental health assistance, call or text 988 at any time.