Man! I wish I had known about this...I would have joined you all. I think it is great that you did this, it's important to grieve but also to hope. To see that there can be help given and received. I think a lot of people need to hear that. Thank you TWLOHA for what you do, you really are a blessing.

Alfred Menendez

1 | Left by Alfred Menendez | Oct. 13, 2009 at 1:34pm

This is very encouraging. I think about my loved ones every day and the struggles they endure. I think about people who are strangers to me, people whom I've never met - who suffer more pain than one could imagine. People who have lost loved ones to suicide, and those who are in danger of losing themselves.
I prayed for them. I prayed for this. God bless you guys.

2 | Left by Amanda | Oct. 13, 2009 at 2:26pm

My heart hurts for all those families and all those names on the twloha board as well as their families. That may sound insincere....but honest to God I feel like I'm going to cry after reading this. Hope is so fragile...but its what gets me through.
Thank you for this post.
LOVE!

3 | Left by Ciara James | Oct. 13, 2009 at 4:31pm

I looked at all of the names on the board written and the one that stood out the most was the name of the 11 year old. It made me think of how we were all sitting in class one morning and over the intercom our principal announced that a girl from the 10th grade class had died. We found out she committed suicide...it makes me think about how precious life is and it hurts to see people so young and well even the older people feel like this is the only way out. I've thought about it tons of times but I found a place like this and good people for the most part. I just wish that they could have had more hope for themselves.

4 | Left by Adrian | Oct. 13, 2009 at 5:47pm

This was inspiring. Thankyou for sharing it. :]
This week those families are in my thoughts and prayers.

5 | Left by Katie | Oct. 13, 2009 at 6:36pm

...this breaks my heart so, so much.

My name isn't on that board, but if it weren't for TWLOHA, who knows? I'm still in the midst of healing, but it was TWLOHA that ignited that first spark of hope.

"We walked so that we don’t forget.
We walked because we are all connected.
We walked to let our stories come together, to tell a greater story of hope.
Yes, we walked for HOPE."



Thank you so much for the hope you give.

6 | Left by ally | Oct. 13, 2009 at 7:59pm

I just really feel like I need to say something. TWLOHA is so great, especially for continuously getting involved with the community. Community is something we all struggle with, however TWLOHA recognizes that and pushes us past it to see all the good in a simple story. Thank you, for showing us all at home with little hope left that ...well that there IS still HOPE. PEACE, LOVE, & HAPPINESS to you all.

7 | Left by Kris | Oct. 13, 2009 at 8:35pm

" The sun had been rising in the sky, and the light was erasing the darkness."

This reminds me so much of something I came up with back in March to remind myself everyday that with a new day comes hope. Every day I think this... "The sun will rise in the morning bringing hope and healing." For those hard nights the hope of the morning was enough to get me through. Now I am in the healing process... because that's what it is... a process. I am so glad TWLOHA exists to bring hope to people on such a new level.

8 | Left by Amanda | Oct. 14, 2009 at 5:41am

I went to the walk here in ND; it was really tough and it was hard not to cry for the loved one that had killed themselves. My friend went with me and even though I did not share, it was helpful to know that we all shared a common story: we lost somebody.

We are lucky to live in a time where TWLOHA exists.

9 | Left by Cassie | Oct. 14, 2009 at 11:15am

this was another great thing that you guys did, and im sure it made a huge difference in people's lives...
:-)

10 | Left by Nicole | Oct. 14, 2009 at 4:17pm

This is such a great cause, My sorority drove 2 1/2 hours to walk this past weekend in the walk at SUNY Fredonia in New York State. The turn out was great and I was able to rasie $185 in a week. Thank you for everything you do, you spread so much HOPE :)

11 | Left by Meghan | Oct. 15, 2009 at 6:51am

This must have been so moving and beautiful. I've known a few people who has died due to suicide, and it's an extremely upsetting thing. It's crazy.
You guys inspire me so much.

12 | Left by Savannah | Oct. 15, 2009 at 7:22am

This is amazing! I hope we can pull the Ohio Walk off and get the same kind of response out of it as this! Hopefull, we'll be able to spread the word and get a bunch of people involved, and a bunch of money donated to TWLOHA.

Dylan

13 | Left by Dylan | Oct. 15, 2009 at 1:04pm

in between. i don't understand how people can still hope. especially after such a devastating event. i feel gone. i know i'm here, and i'm staying here because i like living--trying to get better at least--and i understand that even if i am sad i can still like living. i prefer it anyway, though i wouldn't really know.
i'm sorry for all the losses.

14 | Left by Anon | Oct. 16, 2009 at 12:40pm

It's just amazing for me to read the posts that people have put up on this site. It gives me hope that someday I can really be free! Last year I told my youth pastor what I was going through, verry reluctently, I'll admit but I still told him. He helped me to get better. I had been going through alot of stuff, with my boyfriend, and just life and God in general. Then, a friend from youth group died from playing around with the "choking game" (though I hesatate to call it a game). I began to fall into depression and more self harm. Until I found Freedom! I found freedom in God! This site is a wonderful place to find help, and a place for me to go where people understand what I'm going through and how I'm feeling. Even with my church family around me, I still feel really alone alot of the time, because none of my family/friends can relate to how terrible selfharming is. They understand the hurt of losing a friend but not this hurt. I've stopped self harming with the help and close eye of my youth pastor. And I pray that people like me will find releaf from the oppression of depression! God Bless!

15 | Left by Becka | Oct. 18, 2009 at 6:42am

On this past Sunday the 4th a man that I've know for 5 years committed suicide. He left behind 5 kids and an amazing wife. I've been friends with this family for years. I remember sharing everything with them, from birthday parties to tears. I always remembered him as being the happiest guy that I knew. The past couple years were really hard on him. I watched the world bring down a guy that I thought was invincible. He didn't think that hope was possible. On the day that this was posted they held the funeral for him. I watched as the family tried to hold themselves together all while asking "Why?".

I didn't see the signs till it was to late. That was also the day that I promised myself, I will never loose another loved one to suicide again. I'll pay attention to the little things and I'll try my hardest to give them hope. I'll let them know that they are not alone. Because I don't want to ever see another family go through what I saw on that Tuesday. I want to see healing, hope, and redemption.

16 | Left by Mikayla | Oct. 18, 2009 at 1:41pm

when u hit the bottom its hard to find hope... its hard to heal from hurt... to forget. "why?" is a question thats hard to answer... sometimes they ask them selves that all the time, but u NEVER get why all the time. maybe they dont think too much; isolate themselves from everyone. but people are out there to help you. people like TWLOHA.
- thanks guys...just by showing u care u can save tons... u helped save me. i koe now someone really cares... and is actually doing something.
thanks

17 | Left by Alex | Oct. 19, 2009 at 8:27am

I really wish I was there. I would've loved to walk with everyone. It's amazing how many people there are that cares. It hit me the most reading that an 11 year old killed theirself. That's hard. It also makes me wonder, "how did they know what suicide was? They're so young."

It's nice knowing that people do things like walk, and support the families of people who commited suicide. I've attempted countless of times, and now, I regret ever trying. Life is so much more important than death. I'm glad that there are people out there to support those who want to help.

And yes....there is hope. I believe in that now.

18 | Left by Chrissy | Oct. 19, 2009 at 11:14am

i really wish i wwas there, but its great to hear about events like this. twloa has helped me alot, they are amazing! it really hit me that an 11 year old committed suicide... left me thinking for a great while. anyways, love you all!
*youre not alone*

19 | Left by Kaley | Oct. 19, 2009 at 6:36pm

you guys are so cool. i wish i could've been there

20 | Left by ashley | Oct. 20, 2009 at 12:49pm

What a great idea for a wonderful cause. God bless you all and I hope to be their on the next one, save me a spot.
Darryl

21 | Left by Darryl Kinman | Oct. 20, 2009 at 7:10pm

I was touched by the blog and the expressive writing! The author really captured the meaning and the feeling of the day. My wife really worked hard to make the day worth while and is already talking about next years event. I want to thank TWLOHA for thier love and help. I pray that the families of those walked for found comfort and that TWLOHA will be part of next years walk as well. God Bless.

22 | Left by Troy Boyer | Oct. 21, 2009 at 11:02am

seeing and reading this blog made me love twloha so much more. even though i didn't think i could possibly love an organization any more than i already did. it makes me so sad to know that 11 year olds are committing suicide. it makes me think. we take life for granted. we do. accept it. some people have to fight the world and themselves everyday just to stay alive. i give props to those people that stay alive. they fight. they live on.

23 | Left by izzie | Oct. 21, 2009 at 5:03pm

I've done this walk.
It's really an incredible experience to know you're not alone in dealing with losing a loved one to suicide. there was a rose ceremony. where the loved one who died, was called out, and the family/friends of that loved one came up to the stage and received a hug and a rose. it was so emotional.

I plan to walk again this year as well.
How awesome, my two favorite organizations coming together.

24 | Left by Marlie | Oct. 22, 2009 at 6:03pm

i've done a few out of the darkness walks, and it's truely inspiring and touching. every time i read anything on this web site im touched...should be more foundations like this

25 | Left by anna | Oct. 24, 2009 at 5:36pm

This inspired me alot, the story was heartbreaking. I myself,am in the process of healing. I'm very glad Twloha is around, it's helped alot. There should be more foundations of this... This has helped me && my bestfriend, since we both have had a struggle. Cutting each day side by side, and before we found Thloha, we never understood the reason to stop.

Thank you

26 | Left by Kasey | Oct. 24, 2009 at 6:22pm

I participated in the Out of the Darkness Walk here in West Chester, PA. It is an inspiration to see so many people out to support the cause of suicide prevention. Unfortunately, after feeling so positive about the cause from the Out of the Darkness Walk, tragedy hit my home town once again when another teenager, the third since April 2008, took his life on Friday morning. Three students from the same high school have lost their lives to suicide in the same manner, and no one is sure what the next step should be to be sure that this stops. The whole town is working on having things make sense again and suicide prevention programs and support. TWLOHA and those who support them and the suicide prevention cause help me and many from my home town through every day. For the many survivors who remain in town, every day is a struggle, and knowing that the support is there and things such as the Out of the Darkness Walk exist helps to get through the difficult times. Thank you to TWLOHA, to all who participated in the walk, and to all who support suicide prevention.

27 | Left by Jessi | Oct. 25, 2009 at 3:28pm

I think this is just beautiful what you guys are doing. It's always been very important for me to help people out. In fact, one of my best friends told me that I saved her life by being there for her. I cried, so relieved I could give someone hope.

If one of these walks was in my area, I would definitely try to take part. I try to promote you guys and getting people help as often as I can. It means a lot to me.

28 | Left by Ashley | Oct. 25, 2009 at 7:04pm

This is an amazing thing!! I wish that I had known about it sooner. I lost my own father to suicide almost 5 years ago. It's something that I struggle with everyday and to walk to save others from having to go through this pain is amazing. Way to go TWLOHA!!! You are truely a blessing!!

29 | Left by Holly | Oct. 26, 2009 at 12:54pm

thank you so much twloha you have done amazing things and have touched many people including me

30 | Left by Anon | Oct. 26, 2009 at 2:51pm

as everyone else said this is encouraging. I am now planing a suicide awareness walk in my community. Thank you TWLOHA for providing hope when no one else does. I hope you guys keep doing what your doing and spreading awareness about these topics.

31 | Left by haley | Oct. 26, 2009 at 4:40pm

i think its really amazing that people got out and do something to help. you guys have touched the hearts of so many people including me. my sister was lost to suicide and i walked for her.

32 | Left by alex | Oct. 26, 2009 at 7:21pm

I told my brother to do it, lulz of epicness ensued as I watched te bullet pass through his head... BEST DAY EVER!

33 | Left by DAVID | Oct. 27, 2009 at 2:56pm

i went through depression and i was so close to cutting my wrist till i died but im glad to know there are people who care and i wish i could be apart of this walk to help share with others that there is help.
im here to support anyone who is going through depression, just like on the comercial, depression hurts.

34 | Left by Dustin Simmons | Oct. 29, 2009 at 9:09pm

Also, david who ever you are, that comment unless its sarcastic is inapropriate. :(

35 | Left by Dustin Simmons | Oct. 30, 2009 at 7:08am

As for David's comment, whether it was intended to be sarcastic or not, it was absolutely foul, very inappropriate, and offensive. If you think suicide and/or self mutilation is a joke, you need to grow up quite a bit. *SHRUG* I suppose there's too much ignorance in the world...

36 | Left by Amy Bryant | Oct. 30, 2009 at 11:53am

I respect all of you so much, for caring so much for those who lost loved ones to suicide, it's a horrible thing, and TWLOHA is a wonder thing, i just came across this website, and it really touched my heart to see that people do care, I lost my sister at the age of 18 to suicide.. I also struggle with depression, panic attacks and suicide thoughts at times, and reading on this website, makes me feel a lot better. I've also read these comments and see some people wishing they could have attended this walk, there are many Out of the Darkness Walks around the U.S. here is the website.. www.AFSP.org

37 | Left by Kristin O'Brien | Oct. 31, 2009 at 7:58pm

a while back, i listened to a song entitled 'we shine', and for some reason, that title stuck with me. And it has made me think: anyone who has suffered from depression, self-injury, addiction, etc, and has overcome or is struggling from the awful terrors those things have shown them, they deserve to shine. I strongly believe in suicide prevention, as well as awareness. Now it's up to us to spread the word, to show the world, to shine.

38 | Left by izzie | Nov. 1, 2009 at 2:31pm

you know i read this and i read the story and i really love to help people like this if you guys ever get time will u please email me and tell me how to help people like that i have some friends that are going though that so please email me


michelle

14

39 | Left by michelle | Nov. 3, 2009 at 8:04am

I read the story and it brought me to tears. I used to cut alot and I carry the scars with me everyday. I almost took my life but as I was cutting my baby brother walked in and the look in his eyes made me stop. Now I'm a mother of two and very happy with my life. My brother is my hero and always will be.

40 | Left by Michelle | Nov. 3, 2009 at 10:43am

TWLOHA did not save me personally. However if she had not figuratively been the love written on her arms as they went around me, I would have been lost. So now I write love on my arms every day, those arms that reach out and hug strangers and friends alike. This in the hope that some day, we will no longer need to write it on our bodies, but see it in one another's eyes. Feel it emanating from our souls. That is the vision. That is HOPE.

Isis, Astarte, Diana, Hecate, Demeter, Kali, Inanna.
Bring love to those in need and inspire everyone to write love on her arms.
Blessed be.

41 | Left by Anon | Nov. 3, 2009 at 2:35pm

You guys are very inspiring to me. You have a heart from God to go and rescue. It is so amazing to me how much you act on it and I really would like to join you. Whether that means donating money or just whatever I can do..... The best thing about TWLOHA can be summed up in two words- Hope and Love

42 | Left by Luke | Nov. 4, 2009 at 10:30am

I just lost a very close friend to suicide.
She committed suicide with her boyfriend on Monday night nov 2nd and I found out today. I don't want this to happen to anybody that I know, or anybody else for that matter again. So many lives are changed when one person decides to commit suicide. Taking your own life is just..it takes such a strong will and I just wished that I had actually taken her seriously when she was showing signs of contemplating suicide. They were right in front of my face. Reading this just brought me so much relief...I wish I could have been there for that walk.

43 | Left by Raven | Nov. 4, 2009 at 12:17pm

Thats an amazing story. I got the privilage of organizing an Out of the Darkness walk in my city and the people that I met were incredible. After going through the final totals it made me want to cry I was so happy. It wasn't much compared to what big cities have raised, but it's so great to know that we helped make a difference. Doing the walk is an experience I'll never forget.

44 | Left by Mariah | Nov. 6, 2009 at 6:17pm

I suffered a traumatic brain injury in 1998. I am fully recovered and am now sharing my message of hope.

I was struck by the coincidence of the title of my book (not released yet), "Out of the Darkness" and your "Out of the Darkness Walk."

There is a connection here.

Blessings,
Kathe Perez
www.katheperez.com

45 | Left by Kathe Perez | Nov. 7, 2009 at 4:16am

Today is the first day I've been able to bring myself to visit To Write Love on Her Arms site since the suicide of a dear friend. Interesting because I found this wonderful post remembering the life of that dear friend. Emily "Cristina" Coker committed suicide on April 25, 2008. Her death ripped my heart into peices and every day is a healing process.

Like the post says, her parents asked loved ones to donate money to ya'll. I always had the intentions to, but I could never bring myself to visit this site. Now I will. Thank you so much for remembering her on this walk. She was a beloved friend and its still so hard without her.

I wish I would have visited the site sooner so that I could remember her on that day as well.

Maybe her story will prevent someone else from making the same choice.

Her friends plan to remember her on the 13th for TWLOHA day. God bless you!

46 | Left by Allie Temple | Nov. 8, 2009 at 10:19am

I have been on the To Write Love On Her Arms website before, and I find the cause so important. The fact that people do care gives me hope. My cousin and best friend Michael "Mickey" Danford Carroll committed suicide on April 2, 2008. He was the most loving, kind, and amazing person I've ever met, and every day is so hard without him.

But I find a way to make it through, and I am so glad that there are people out there who do believe rescue is possible, and that suicide can be prevented.

Hope is the answer, and though my cousin didn't know that, because of this amazing organization, many people will know, and that's enough to help soothe my aching heart.

47 | Left by Caitlin McDonald | Nov. 10, 2009 at 6:54pm

TWLOHA has given me to hope to find help when no one else has.
i've been struggling with self harm for five years now. five years too long.
i've known one too many people who have been affected by suicide and it's such a depressing thing but to know that an organization like this exists just gives me hope.
hope was something i never had until i stumbled across TWLOHA on facebook not too long ago.
i know i'm not alone and that's such a comfortable feeling.

48 | Left by kate | Nov. 13, 2009 at 4:53am

I have found hope in TWLOHA for a while now.
I've been struggling with depreasion and self-harm for a while. My closest friend Lindsey commited suicide on October 23, 2009. She was only 17 years old. I only wished TWLOHA could of been there for her. Ever since then i have been more involved in this wonderfull organization. I found TWLOHA from my sister about a year ago. I loved the hope the meaning involved with it. Anyways, I hope you guys stay running forever. So you can help others that struggle in this broken world that we live in. Today im in treatment for drugs and before i came here i was in treatment for my depreasion and self-harm. The night before i went to treatment for my depreasion and stuff i almost commited suicide. Then i read TWLOHA's vision. I found hope in the words. The next day i went to my cunseler and asked for help. Anyways, I love you guys and now i am not alone.

49 | Left by Joshua Grambihler | Nov. 13, 2009 at 7:19am

Thank you for all the good work. I was greatly touched by the first name on the board. Christina was greatly loved and is greatly missed in her hometown of Coppell, TX. Many of us gave to your organization at her parent's request. Thank you for all you do!

50 | Left by Ivette Rosinski | Nov. 18, 2009 at 11:32am

On November 13 2009 our Plattsmouth Community dealt with the suicide of Ryan Davis. He was a good friend of mine along with many others. We miss him dearly. And I know I speak for the whole community to say thank you for what your doing. Thank you so much I know I'm going to buy a t-shirt and everything. This death has changed our lives forever.

51 | Left by Mandi | Nov. 19, 2009 at 3:58pm

As soon as I am able to do this, I will. My father died of suicide when I was two years old. And I have struggled with depression and cutting, but with the help of my friends, family,and God, I've gotten past it. This is so incredible!

52 | Left by Lauren | Feb. 12, 2010 at 4:20pm

Im going to start off by say Im sorry about my spelling its not the best. I have never wrote about this ever and Im trying something new,In hopes that it might help someone else.Well its almost been 2 years(March 7,2008) since my dearest childhood friend commited suicied.Its just so strange because if you looked at her you would have never known there was anything wrong. She was so beautiful and so very smart and so very strong. In high school she always made the honour role. After high school she got a job making a six figure income.On the outside you would have never known there was anything wrong. She adapted to any surroundings very well. I admired this about her because I didnt do so well .She was such a people person,she talked the talked and walked the walked. Anything she put her mind to she got it done, mind you she worked very hard.She was amazing. Back in 2001 I srayed from the path and got into drugs and that got her worried for me. So she had her own intervention with me.(God bless her soul for that) I didnt listen at first but not long after that I was on the right path again because I missed her friendship and spending time with her family not just that other things. So we started talking again and of course my friend seemed that she was making leaps and bounds with her new job. I was do proud of her. She was what I thought doing what she worked so hard at life getting to be what she wanted (from the outside). Little did I know that was not the case. She was good on puttng on masks and showing people only whay they wanted to see.She got involved with a man that was not a very good influence and got her into drugs and made her feel that she was not good enough.I had no idea because she would only show you what she wanted you to see. By this time it was to late,the afternoon of March 7,2008 stopped in traffic both sides of the bridge were closed down because there was someone on the other side threatening to jump. Which gave my friend to much time to think about the fight her and her boyfriend had the night before and having flash backs as a child(Im only assuming) he hade her feel worthless and rejected. She jotted down a few things to her family on a peice of paper. Then got out off her vehicle and jumped.

You know I wished I had the chance to talk to her and tell her how much I loved her or should have been there more for her,but should have could have is not always the answer and wont bring her back. The one thing I know is that I could not let this be another tradigy. So instead of crying and getting mad the whole time. I had to turn it around and try to make this something positive. Not only did I become closer to her family but I also joined the Crisis Line/Suicide line which is now closed because of government cut backs,but in a little way it was helping me to get over the greiving process and to let people know they were not alone and that I cared. Please talk to someone if you feel like you are going harm yourself. Everybody is special and plays an important part. Im not just saying this or trying to be a maryter or a goodie,goodie

53 | Left by Karin Skaley | Mar. 5, 2010 at 5:48am

This honesty makes me cry that an 11 year old killed herself.... I just don't get why people even do bullying, no one gets satisfaction from it....

54 | Left by Anon | Feb. 1, 2012 at 9:22pm