This Volunteer Spotlight story originally appeared in AFSP's 2024 Annual Report. To read other inspiring Volunteer Spotlight stories, and to learn more about our work, click here.
Since the heartbreaking loss of his sister, Katherine, to suicide in 2012 at the age of 37, Dave Thompson has transformed his grief into advocacy for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. This tragedy ignited his determination to combat stigma, sharing his and Katherine’s story to emphasize the importance of seeking help and encourage others to appreciate the beauty of today.
His commitment to suicide prevention is evident through his participation in multiple charity marathons. For the past five years, he has led Team AFSP in Grandma’s Marathon, which takes place along Lake Superior’s North Shore in Duluth, Minnesota, each June, raising awareness and funds for a cause that is so close to his heart.
“In the years since my loss, I have embraced the conviction that we only have today. This has profoundly transformed my perspective on life and loss. Mental health is a universal journey that requires intentional care and involves struggles that are as real and physical as any illness. Seeking help — through medication, therapy, opening up to others, or other means — is an act of courage. Even when vulnerability feels daunting, the connections we forge are invaluable.
This journey has transformed my initial blame, anger, and guilt into a resolute purpose: to promote understanding, prevention, and the appreciation of today.
My dedication is fueled by love for my family, including Katherine’s daughters, my own children, my younger brother, and parents. I have learned that by channeling my pain into positive action, I can honor my sister’s memory while finding personal healing and striving to create a world where such tragedies can be prevented.
When I run for Team AFSP, I’m practicing self-care, which is universally important, and different for everybody. I’m guided by Maya Angelou’s wisdom, ‘When we know better, we do better.’ Through my involvement with AFSP, I strive to create more joy than guilt in myself and others. I recognize the struggle many face in grasping mental health’s complexities, and I strive to bridge the gap between those who understand and those still learning. I’m driven by a hope that one day, no one will feel alone or misunderstood in their mental health journey. This is my promise to those who struggle and those we’ve lost.”