FROM PAIN TO POWER: Cheerleader’s Remarkable Journey Coming to Rochester, MN
I'll never forget the day when I got the call that someone in my family had completed suicide. I was stunned, shocked, and still have questions. Suicide isn't unique to just my family though. Mental health has been a concern for quite some time in our country and one of the latest statistics is proving that every day, 20 young people are dying by suicide in this country. Everywhere, kids, adults, families, and friends are left hurting and wondering, "What could I have done to show the person that I love that they are enough".
A free event is coming to Rochester, Minnesota that can help answer that question and will even provide support to those who are currently struggling with mental health and thoughts of suicide.
Every day 20 young people die by suicide in the United States. - aidans-light.org
Almost 50,000 Americans die by suicide each year. that's one person every 11 minutes. - www.myascension.us
Mental Health Crisis Is Happening Now Throughout the United States
As I was working on this story last week, a tragedy was unfolding at the same time in Perry, Iowa. A 17-year-old went into a school and shot several individuals which ended up killing another child as well as himself. The daughter of one of the victims, who was going through her own trauma, shared an emotional note that reminded everyone to think of the family of the 17-year-old shooter because they lost a child too.
Show grace to the Butler family, as we are not our kids mistakes and actions or our parents mistakes and actions. Remember this is something Dylan’s family has to live with too, as well as losing their child. - Claire Marburger on Facebook
READ MORE: Emotional Update From Family Member of Victim Shot During Iowa School Shooting
The Day in 2020 When Live Changed Forever For a Family in Kasson, Minnesota
July 27th, 2020 is a day when time stopped for a family in Southeast Minnesota. Aidan Hegge, a 17-year-old at Kasson-Mantorville school, died by suicide.
"...the aftermath of suicide is uncomprehensible. Please love on your family and friends. Seek help for those struggling and seek help if you are the one struggling. Suicide is never the answer." - Jennifer Hegge, Aidan's Light in Loving Memory of Aidan Hegge Facebook Group
The family wanted to make sure that Aidan's light continued to shine and use that to help prevent youth suicide. Since then, they started Aidan's Light.
Aidan’s Light is a non-profit that will advocate to help stop youth suicide through charitable giving to both national and local charities, focusing on the prevention of youth suicide and treatment of mental health problems. We also look to provide local schools the needed resources to bring awareness to youth mental health and prevent youth suicide.
Free Youth Suicide Prevention Event in Rochester, Minnesota
I'm not sure what you have on your schedule Tuesday, January 9th, but whatever it is, you should change it. There is a free event for our entire community at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester, Minnesota that is digging in to the topic of mental health and our youth. If you've ever wondered how you can support someone struggling with mental health, kids or adults, or you are personally challenged in this way, this is an event you will want to attend.
My Ascension is a documentary about a teenager named Emma Benoit, who was a varsity cheerleader who attempted suicide. Her story is a bit different than the tragedies that we hear about though because she didn't successfully complete her suicide. Her suicide attempt left her paralyzed.
Today, her painful story is spreading hope to others and helping people stay alive. And on Tuesday, you can meet her in person and ask her questions because she will be in attendance and has a mission to help others. Other mental health experts will also be available for the Q&A panel.
Everything You Need To Know About the Free Youth Suicide Prevention Event in Rochester, Minnesota
- DATE: Tuesday, January 9th
- TIME:
- 5:00 pm - mental health fair
- 6:00 pm - My Ascension documentary
- WHERE: Mayo Civic Center, suites 102-105
- PARKING: City ramps are free after 5:00 pm
- Q&A: Emma Benoit and mental health experts will be answering questions following the screening of the film.
- LEARN MORE:
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website. Resource information is provided for free as well as a chat message service. To speak directly to a professional, call 988. You are not alone and help is available. Every life is important.
Do you know an event or organization that helps others in our community?
Townsquare Media cares about our community! If you know another event happening in our area or a nonprofit that helps others, please let me know! I'd love to help spread the word and learn more. E-mail me at jessica.williams@townsquaremedia.com or send me a note on my Facebook page - Jessica On The Radio.
LOOK: 13 Best Public Elementary Schools in Minnesota
Gallery Credit: Stacker
More From Sasquatch 107.7 - The Rock of Rochester
