
|
|
A Decade of Making a Difference
Bringing Depression and Suicide to Light
Thank you for braving the elements and attending this
year's 10th Annual Walk for Awareness at Olin-Turveille Park in Madison, Wisconsin!
Scroll down this page to see pictures from our previous
Walks
The 9th Annual HOPES Walk for Awareness was on Saturday,
May 5th, 2007 at Olin Park in Madison, WI

Each year the names of our loved ones are read aloud

Walk participants pause for a photo-op near the Lake

Group photograph of some walk participants

Our Many Faces of Suicide Quilts are displayed at each of our Walks

Donated, handcrafted items for the annual raffle

Musical entertainment
HOPES Walk Raises Awareness
by Eric Garland, HOPES Board Member
Newsletter Contributor, In Memory of
Brandon Garland
Saturday morning, May 5th was the date of the 9th annual
HOPES Walk for Awareness. This was the second walk that my family and
I had participated in. I would like to share some of my reflections
from the walk and what participating in the walk means to me.
The first thing that jumped out at me was the number of
people who were there to participate in the walk. I would estimate
that 300 people attended this year's Walk for Awareness. All of the
people that gathered had been affected by suicide in one way or another.
Everyone had their own story. Some wanted to share their story; others
felt more comfortable keeping their story private. Some people were
there to receive support. Others were there to offer support to those
in need. As I met people throughout the day, I realized that everyone
has to cope with their own unique situation in their own way.
A portion of the opening ceremony includes reading the
names of loved ones lost to suicide. This year I was entrusted with
the honor of being the person to read the names aloud. To me, the
reading of the names of loved ones lost is the most emotional and touching
moment of the day. I was proud to be the one to read the names; I was
also very saddened by the reality of the number of names to be read.
After the reading of the final name, it was time for the 3
mile walk to begin. As the hundreds of participants began their
journey, they were led by music provided by representatives of the McFarland
High School Band. Some people walked in groups and others walked
alone.
The theme for this year's walk was "I make a difference."
As I watched the crowd of people embark on their journey, i was well aware
that everyone came together to make a difference in their own way.
A lunch and drawing for donated prizes rounded out a
successful day. Funds raised support both prevention efforts and
services to survivors. This event is one that organizers, sponsors,
and participants can be proud of.
From the SOS of Dane County Newsletter, July 2007,
Vol.13, Issue 3
|
 |

Thanks for joining us for the 8th Annual
HOPES
Walk for Awareness in 2007

|
 |
Walk for Awareness May 14th, 2005


Walk for Awareness on May 8th, 2004


Pairs of new shoes, representing the loved ones we have lost, were displayed. They
were donated to a free clothing center.
Meeting in the Capitol, May 17th, 2003

Walking to the Capitol, May 18, 2002

|
|