I think you guys should come do this in Kansas.

1 | Left by Rhi | Feb. 10, 2011 at 1:07pm

Thank you for this, Kaitlyn.
I needed this today. I needed this reminder that "It's ok to not be ok some days, and that's just how it is."
It's small moments like this which remind me how much *I* am blessed because of you and the rest of TWLOHA.
THANK YOU! :)

2 | Left by Wendy Bradley | Feb. 10, 2011 at 1:21pm

This hit so many cords in my soul that I think I've been ignoring. Thank you.

3 | Left by Sarah Marie | Feb. 10, 2011 at 1:32pm

Yes, it's SO HARD to lose a family member or friend! My dad shot himself in Oct. 2008 at the age of 50. Watch out for holidays and especially the dreaded death anniversary...that day is gonna rock your world no matter how prepared you think you may be. I was supposed to do a walk this past October in Hilton Head, SC...it fell exactly on his death day. I didn't make it. All I could do was show up at the church I had abandoned after his death and cry. But keep your head up! The days get better and better.

4 | Left by Janice Bessent | Feb. 10, 2011 at 1:39pm

Thank you beyond words. I can't even begin to articulate how powerfully this entry reached me.

When we lose someone, we carry a part of their spirit on through our own hearts. Your friend Brit continues to live on through your compassion and love.

Although we do not know one another, you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

5 | Left by Jen Dugan | Feb. 10, 2011 at 1:42pm

Ajax, Ontario, Canada has had a really hard year...this would be the perfect thing to help us! Please come & do this here!

6 | Left by Eireann | Feb. 10, 2011 at 1:47pm

"It's ok to not be ok somedays, and that's just how it is."

I think we all need that reminder sometimes.

Thank you for sharing this with us.

I with they did a walk like that here in Milwaukee, WI.

7 | Left by Claire | Feb. 10, 2011 at 2:53pm

i know so many people who need this kind of encouragement, a walk like this in North Carolina could help so many people. If there has been a walk here it was before i had ever heard of TWLOHA, it has given me such a new out look on life.

8 | Left by Saramarie | Feb. 10, 2011 at 3:09pm

Thank you for this, Kaitlyn. Yesterday marked 4 years since my mom's death and I'm still finding ways to grieve... I always need to be reminded that it's ok to not be ok sometimes. Thank you. I am sorry for your loss, and I will keep you in my prayers.

9 | Left by Cat | Feb. 10, 2011 at 5:17pm

it's nice to know someone's there. my two closest friends have been suicidal along with my mom and im going through hell. atleast i know theres hope.

10 | Left by anonymous | Feb. 10, 2011 at 6:09pm

I had a really tough night last night. It's been 15 months since I lost my best friend, and I was feeling terrible that I wasn't moving through grief. thank you for reminding me that it's perfectly acceptable to not be okay at times. Michigan is not the same without him, and I'm sure he wouldn't mind a walk being started in his honor. Thank you.

11 | Left by Annie | Feb. 10, 2011 at 6:41pm

Thank you, Kaitlyn. It was honest and beautiful. I wish I could have been there. I would have worn green beads.

12 | Left by Kendra | Feb. 10, 2011 at 6:50pm

Wow, how wonderful. Wish I could have been there. I would have had to wear a couple different strands. One for myself, and one for you Sam. You are dearly missed, I love u

13 | Left by Marnie | Feb. 11, 2011 at 5:49am

I would really like a walk t be in brevard north carolina..my dad commited suicide on christmas of last year. i am haveing a very hard time keeping my head up when i go places. iv ebeen to counslers and meetings but nothing seems to work. i know so many people in my area who are dealing with greif and i would just like the prayers for them. DAD- i love you so much and you will be missed. LERN.

14 | Left by Kerrigan Irby | Feb. 11, 2011 at 6:22am

I needed to be reminded that it's okay to not be okay. Today, I won't pretend I'm okay..because I'm not. I will be..one day. Not today. I will embrace my pain and let others in to help me.
Thank you.

15 | Left by Kaitlyn | Feb. 11, 2011 at 9:54am

I like that, a lot. It is okay to not be okay. You shouldn't have to pretend to be okay every day of the week, that's just not how it is.

16 | Left by Morgan | Feb. 11, 2011 at 3:06pm

Kaitlyn, my best friend died in a car crash, not by suicide, but i can still so resonate with what you said. it'll be three years tomorrow, and it's a hard day. it scares me to not be okay. it scares me to grieve. but "it's okay to not be okay"....that's something worth thinking about. and this, too, was incredibly helpful:

"However, I am doing better than I did last month, and that’s worth celebrating...I wish I could call her, hug her, tell her that I love her. But it seems that the next best thing is to carry her life’s story along on my journey. Keep walking toward hope."

Thank you.

17 | Left by Hope | Feb. 11, 2011 at 7:39pm

Nothing is ever by coincidence. After reading the Fla.Today article on CJ, I came over to the site and read your story. Although I had heard of your organization before from my daughter, I didn't know it was founded in Cocoa and the story behind it. After 30 minutes of reading, I remembered what my first thought of the day was when I woke up today. It's the anniversary of the death of my brother. From suicide.

Thanks for all you do...

18 | Left by donna | Feb. 12, 2011 at 8:21am

I needed this today, I've gotten beat up again and found myself wishing I were dead. I read your site to keep me strong and to remember that those I would leave behind would hurt more than I do. I would love to organize a walk here in Utah for the thousands of people I know who know someone who is struggling like me. Please let me know what to do to get a walk in process.

19 | Left by Cheryl | Feb. 12, 2011 at 1:09pm

Hey,My name's Jade... I'm having some depression issues. And I was wondering if I could talk to others who are involved on this site.. is there like a chat room?

20 | Left by Jade | Feb. 12, 2011 at 1:29pm

Nous devrions aussi avoir ce genre de rassemblement en France. C'est un beau geste d'encouragement.

Courage .

21 | Left by Lhiannan | Feb. 12, 2011 at 2:07pm

This would be something that could defintely be brought to St. Louis and I know that it would be well appreciated. I'm amazed by the amount of participants and even more by the amount of money raised, over $50k, awesome. Thank you so much for sharing this with all of us.

22 | Left by Janessa | Feb. 12, 2011 at 4:45pm

I think you guys should have a walk in every state possible. Very many of my very close friends and I have suffered with cutting. I'm the only one that seeks help. I am currently on depression medicine, see a therapist every 3 weeks, and see a counselor once a week. To Write Love On Her Arms means SO much to me to see that so many people go through the same stuff as I do and are so caring towards others and I'd love for you guys to come to Iowa especially:)

23 | Left by Angelica | Feb. 12, 2011 at 6:29pm

this stoyy was really powerful and i hope that people like me who have been through this can fiid a way to get out with out ending our lives here in the UK where i live there's nowhere near the amazing support and awareness that TWLOHA provides the UK needs a wake up call and to realise how big an issue this is just over a year ago i was in hospital for a while after i attempted to take my own life and the road to recovery isn't easy and i am no where near the end but i'm getting there with help but i'm lucky not everyone gets help and this needs fixing

24 | Left by Iona | Feb. 13, 2011 at 6:04am

This helped me beyond belief.. i have been struggling with myself and my best friend is having about the same problems.. " It's ok to not be okay." TWLOHA has opened my eyes to the reality of my world.. that i'm not alone in all of this and that i shouldn't feel hopeless like i do.. i wear green beads today and so does my friend. . . i seriously considered suicide and start hurting myself again.. this may have snapped me back to reality.. and i thank you more than i could ever explain..

25 | Left by Madison | Feb. 13, 2011 at 8:37am

Totally agree with what Lhiannan said, we should have this in France...or in Europe. Do you think we can start this over there too?

Hi Jade, there's no chat room, but if you want to talk, there are some really useful links on the website. You also can join the street team, people are very supportive with each other :) stay strong! x

26 | Left by Veee | Feb. 13, 2011 at 1:27pm

Merci Veee.
Il faudrait peut être commencer par creér un branche TWLOHA-France. Ce serait vraiment bien.
Un site en français, en lien avec celui-ci, et en lien avec ces activités.
Et oui, pourquoi pas organisé un rassemblement de ce genre ! Je pense que beaucoup de personnes adhérerons.

27 | Left by Lhiannan | Feb. 13, 2011 at 3:33pm

Je m'étais déja renseignée quant à une eventuelle branche française, mais cela ne semble pas à l'ordre du jour pour le moment...Cependant, on pourrait se renseigner pour organiser un walk en France à l'occasion de la journée de prévention du suicide en septembre?c'est une idée...mon email si tu veux en parler : deroo.vanessa@gmail.com

sorry for the french insert people ;)

28 | Left by Veee | Feb. 14, 2011 at 1:20am

On Feb 8, 2011. I over dosed and cut myself. I don't know what made me do it. But, I was put in the hospital. I was relesed on Feb 11, 2011. I came home and my roomate was wearing her TWLOHA braclet. I asked her were she found it and she said it hust reappeared. I think there is a reason that it reappeared. I know that now I am loved and wanted. It's just gonna take some time to get over this. I just wanted to let y'all know that I belive 100% in this organization. And as soon as I can get enought money I am gonna be wearing your gear.

29 | Left by Vanessa | Feb. 14, 2011 at 12:18pm

i wish i could have been there to wear my green beads.

30 | Left by Terrie | Feb. 14, 2011 at 4:15pm

TWLOHA is admirable in its human efforts & concerns, and it IS all about love... as God's Word is always the answer and God Is Love. I just wanted to remind everyone that as a Christian and a believer in our Triune God - Father, Son, & Holy Spirit - that it is our job to plant and water the seeds; but it is the Holy Spirit that works the Spiritual growth in people. Glory needs to be given to God The Holy Spirit for "our" Spiritual successes. God's Blessings to everyone!

31 | Left by Sal | Feb. 15, 2011 at 5:55am

Vanessa,thanks for sharing your story. Welcome here.

32 | Left by Veee | Feb. 15, 2011 at 2:00pm

This story amazed me in ways you wouldnt believe. I think you need to have something like this somewhere close to cleveland. I would def be there. Its sad know so many people suffer from this however, I have too. I love you all and be safe :)

33 | Left by Kayla | Feb. 16, 2011 at 5:26am

this article makes me believe that hope is out there... next month marks a year since i lost my best friend to suicide.. he was the heart and soul of my high school and my community. We never knew that he felt this way inside till it happened, he loved everyone of us with all his heart and cared about everyone before himself... ive started to lose hope in this world and that i couldnt ever be happy again. ive decided that some teachers and students and i are going to hold a "Day of Hope" in our community to raise awareness that inside everyone is a dark side and you need to be a friend to all who have problems in there life.. love you all and be safe and always remember theres a shoulder to cry on you just have to be that friend to lend it to someone:)

34 | Left by Anthony | Feb. 17, 2011 at 9:41am

I used to cut.... My mom committed suicide the day after christmas my freshman year of high school...
Now I am truly much better and I live for the simple things.
It's been years since I have reverted back to my old habits.
I'm willing to talk to anyone who needs help, advice, or just someone to talk to. Add me on facebook and shoot me a message.

You are all beautiful.

35 | Left by Alicia Street | Feb. 17, 2011 at 1:52pm

You NEED to come to Mill Creek, WA! in fact... YOU NEED to make SOME kind of program thats specifically focuses on high school students, or SOMETHING!?? because the wave of depression NEEDS TO BE STOPPED!!!...thanks!

36 | Left by Lorena Terry | Feb. 19, 2011 at 12:09am

I also would have worn a green strand of green beads if i did the Walk! Would i have had to wear 2 strings of green? because I have had depression for 2 and a half years! ...oh well, i probably might have if i DID do the walk. but twloha NEVER goes local, or doesnt even TRY to?

37 | Left by Lorena Terry | Feb. 19, 2011 at 12:17am

GO ANGELICA!! I TOTALLY AGREE! TWLOHA SHOULD try to reach evvery state...and as MUCH as it possibly can! (that means HS too!!)I mean WHATS the point of being interested, or being a fan of TWLOHA if it DOESNT even support your OWN age group, in this case MY age group- highschool! In MILL CREEK WASHINGTON!!

38 | Left by Lorena Terry | Feb. 19, 2011 at 12:21am

I could say a million thank yous to TWLOHA and it would never be enough. Suicide is never the answer to absolutely anything. Life is a beautiful gift. Yes, there are many cruelties in our world and sometimes we all feel like we're going to hit rock bottom. But that's the thing. We're never alone. A person in Chicago may be going through the same exact thing a person in Miami is going through. And that is what makes life so beautiful. You are never alone, no matter how lonely you feel. I will most likely never meet anyone who reads this comment but I still love you for you because I want you to love me for me. Our lives are filled with tragedies but there are wonderful things that should overpower the sadness. Remember the great times you've had with those who you lost to suicide or any death. Remember the hugs, the kisses, the laughs, the jokes, the pictures, everything. But never forget the pain either. The pain is what makes us stronger and motivates us to help others and become closer to those who have left. Just remember, you are never alone. There's well over a million people just in the United States. There is someone for you. And that someone wants you to keep living, keep loving, keep laughing

39 | Left by Ana | Feb. 20, 2011 at 9:13am

I think you guys should try and visit Brownsville, I know many people who would love to support this movement and help out. There are a lot of people i know that have been struggling a lot including myself at times and we would really appreciate you guys trying to come to the valley. If there is any way to bring this down to Brownsville, Texas I would love to know how.

40 | Left by Jasmine | Feb. 20, 2011 at 5:46pm

my sister lives today and sometimes i think about how it could so easily be different. She wears a keychain that says 9 months and it is the most hope i have had in my life. i am hopeful that one day it will read 2 and 10 years and until then thank you for these words.

41 | Left by Anon | Feb. 20, 2011 at 7:56pm

Thank you for sharing... It kind of helps to know I am not alone... Just yesterday I found out my close online friend Tabbey committed suicide. It hurt alot... I kind of too realized how much I'd hurt others if I TRIED IT.

42 | Left by Michaela | Feb. 23, 2011 at 3:23pm

Its been about a year since my cousin commited suicide. Its still hurts thinking when im going to his parents house that im not gonna see him anymore. This website has helped me alot with dealing with my depression and also with my losses. Thank you(:

43 | Left by Alexx(: | Feb. 24, 2011 at 6:31am

TWLOHA should please please consider hosting an event at Ft. Campbell or another army post. This is something we see and deal with a lot.

44 | Left by danielle | Feb. 24, 2011 at 7:57pm

thankyou for sharing kaitlyn. really, thankyou

45 | Left by catherine | Feb. 25, 2011 at 9:01pm

Thank you so much for this Kaitlyn.
i know its horrible to lose someone so close to you.
i cried when i read this. im an open supporter of Twloha
and i would love to do something to help.
my friends' support saved me.
i realized theres still hope to live. i want to show others that there is too.
When is the annual walk.? i would fly out to Florida in a heart beat to walk along side everyone else. I'd be wearing Blue, Purple, Green, and i would almost be wearing a orange. i thank God everyday that we saved her, but shes still struggling. shes so young and i want to help her.
thank you TWLOHA

46 | Left by Kiernan | Feb. 26, 2011 at 5:14pm

I spent the entire day getting bullied and this definatley helped me from doing any of the stupid things that ran through my mind.
Thank you(:

47 | Left by Emma | Feb. 26, 2011 at 8:47pm

Kaitlyn,

Thank you for sharing this experience. As I participated in the OOTD Walk in Lafayette, LA, this past October, I wore blue beads. It was the first time I had ever openly admitted to what I have struggled with. Putting on those beads gave me some sense of strange pride -- they were a way to say, "No, I'm not always okay. But I am here, and I am working to keep hope alive in my life."

I met many people that day. None of them asked about the blue beads. They were just a reminder that we were all there for different reasons that came together for the same cause. We came together to love those who we had lost, and to celebrate and support those who are still here.

You are such a hero of mine -- for many reasons. I appreciate you more than you could ever imagine. Thank you for sharing this with us. Thank you for devoting your time and your efforts to love and to hope. You are a beautiful soul.

48 | Left by Sarah P | Feb. 27, 2011 at 2:21pm

I was wondering how we can go about getting one of these set up in the Tampa area (Tampa/Clearwater/St petersburg) once the florida heat lets up some

49 | Left by Shawna mcCaskey | Mar. 1, 2011 at 7:50am

This is so great, and like you said TWLOHA was a blessing to you when you needed it most. I want to be part of this movement in Boise, Id. Please helpme become affiliated so I can start reaching out too! Who can I talk to? Where can I go? Helpme help them too! I am a recovering self-injurer and a soon to be (2 months) college graduate with a BS in psychology, awaiting my acceptance into a clinical counseling graduate program. I want to help so much I just don't know when and where to start...

50 | Left by Brittany | Mar. 2, 2011 at 10:53pm

this would be amazing for southern Indiana.
I'm from the city of Jasper, IN
and i know alot of people have struggled with depression and suicide, myself included.
We are big sponsers for relay for life
I'm sure we could get together for this too!

51 | Left by samantha | Mar. 3, 2011 at 3:39pm

I walked on this day for My Beautiful Niece Taylor Renae King who took her life on September 26th 2010. Taylor was only 14 years old. This was an awesome experiance and very well done. The releasing of the doves after the walk was amazing but sad...
I will make this a yearly event Thank You...

52 | Left by Jamie Elder | Mar. 4, 2011 at 8:17pm

birmingham alabama. we need to make this happen in each state. i think it can. this is large enough and powerful enough to happen locally everywhere. we need to kno we are not alone....

53 | Left by angela bagwell | Mar. 6, 2011 at 10:21am

Kaitlyn,
i have heard about 'twloha', but i never looked into it until tonight. i looked through the blog quick, went to the apparel, and then checked out your 'mission statement' i guess you would call it, and then i went back to the blog. i noticed the purple beads and that being my favorite color, i decided to read and see what they all meant, i then continued reading the rest of your post. i first want to say that i am sorry for the loss of your firend Britt. i have lost a loved one, but not to suicide, so while i know the grieving is tough, i don't know of the grief that you must feel and deal with.
i also want to say that as a person who has dealt/ deals with self harm and suicidal thoughts (because who is to say that it ever stops), this blog gives me hope that someone outside my family and firends actually cares. i am glad to still be here today, by the grace of God, i am still here. it is such a welcome relief for someone like me to see this organization and all that it has and will become. thank you to you and everyone at 'twloha', i wish you all the best and you have my support 100%.

54 | Left by abigail elizabeth | Apr. 3, 2011 at 8:50pm

This article has touched me so much. i have heard of TWLOHA but had never really knew what it was about or understood it until now. i decided to look on the website and find out more. then when i saw this article about purple beads i couldnt help to read it - because purple is my favourite colour. i have recently lost a relative - my uncle, to suicide, and though i didnt know him that well, i was really upset by his death. at first i couldnt understand how anyone could kill themselves and leave a wife and newborn child behind. but now i realise how depressed he was in life and how he just couldnt cope. unfortunatley he didnt have anyone to help him out - tell him it would all be ok. i know it is too late for him, but it isnt for others, and people can be saved. i too, wouldnt wish for another loved one to die from suicide, because its just unbearable. now, everytime i wear purple beads, not only will i think "fav colour" but i will remember my uncle, and i too will carry the memory of him with me always. Thankyou Xxxxx

55 | Left by Laura Halsall | Apr. 16, 2011 at 5:57am

I've always loved this organization, and I'd love to have you all come out to Canada and start working with us over here and doing walks, anything i could do to help i'd be more then willing, i love this helping people heal, and i love the idea of helping others learn to love themselves. if anyone else can help out with getting to write love on her arms over here in canada please do . you have all my love and support xoxoxo

56 | Left by carly | Apr. 17, 2011 at 7:03pm

I love this orginization so much and I would love to see Chicago have a walk to it. I know that many people would show up and I would love to be there(:

57 | Left by Sydney | Apr. 25, 2011 at 10:08am

every thing will turn out okay i promise. i lost my aunt 2 years ago to a suicide and in 6th grade i started to cut because i thought that it would take all my problems away. i thought every thing was my fault at home. i was living with my mom and my step dad and he hit her and cursed at her so we left then she later let him back come visit us at our new apartment which problems started up again and i had afriend that went to scholl with me at my new school and she cut her wrist to take out her anger so i tried it which i kept doing it and to this day i cut every once in a while and i dont know how to stop i believe every thing in my life is my life is fault. i cant keep friends and wwhat little friends i have i live a lie to im so confused and a friend showed me this site and i started reading and i teared up with all the stories thanks to yall i understand that peoples lives are worse than mine

58 | Left by Anqel Blunt | Jun. 1, 2011 at 11:13am

I love this organization; We need this in West Michigan... please help us.

59 | Left by Brandy Reyes | Jun. 3, 2011 at 10:11am

There was a comment earlier about coming to Kansas...We need something like this!

60 | Left by Tamela P. | Sep. 28, 2011 at 9:43am

PLEASE come to Utah. Raise awareness. Almost two years ago, I lost one of my close friends to suicide. February 14th is the day I found out. This would mean so much to everyone who has lost someone in their life. Please, please come to Utah. I don't care if it's 5 hours away from where I live, I would come to it. This is incredible.

61 | Left by Emily | Oct. 25, 2011 at 2:16pm