SAVE was started back in August of 1989 when six suicide survivors (those who have experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide) decided there was a need for an organization. Their mission statement is to prevent suicide through public awareness and education, eliminate stigma, and serve as a resource to those touched by suicide.

It is from hurt to hope that started the local Lake Harriet SAVE walk three years ago. The Driscoll family, who lost their daughter to suicide on August 17th, 2001, decided to initiate this annual walk in memory of her. Sheena was a senior in high school at the time of her death. Fact: Suicide is the third leading cause of death for young people ages 15-24 years old.

There were a lot of people walking and donating money in memory of a loved one that they have lost due to suicide. I was one of them. I was there in memory of my cousin Derek Dolata, who was 17 years old when he died by suicide. But my cousin was not the only one I was there for that day. I was also there for myself. I am a survivor in multiple ways. I am a survivor by the fact that I am a loved one that has been touched by someone who died by suicide. I am a survivor who has battled mental illness since the age of five. I am a survivor of a, thankfully, unsuccessful attempted suicide. Fact: There are more people that die from suicide than from homicide.

This 3 year old was walking for an uncle she never met.

At the SAVE walk this year there were many things going on. You could get the name of the loved one you wanted to honor and remember on your t-shirt. SAVE hosted the Band “Sober Noise” to perform before and after the program to bring in new life. Theresa Carufel gave an inspiring and meaningful talk about “From Hurt to Hope.” There were more sponsors this year. Each year the walk reaches more and more people. Tom Driscoll estimated that at least 200 walkers participated this year. Fact: Eighty percent of people that seek treatment for depression are treated successfully.

The Driscolls wanted me to thank St Joan’s for all their support of the SAVE organization and the annual walk. You can always donate to SAVE by going to www.save.org/support/donate.html . On Saturday, September 30 at the Oakridge Country Club in Hopkins there will be the “Designed to SAVE” event. There will be more details to follow soon, so check out the SAVE website at www.save.org.

and

Theresa Dolata is a new webreporter and photographer.