Volunteering With AFSP Gives Meaning to My Loss, and Purpose to My Future

In 2017, I lost my boyfriend, Cody, to suicide. We had known each other since childhood, and had begun dating as adults, two years before he died. That loss pulled me deeper into addiction and depression, and for a long time, I didn’t know how to move forward. When my family and I joined our first Out of the Darkness Walk, I had no idea how much it would change us. For the first time, I felt surrounded by people who truly understood, and I began to see a path forward. Today, I have been in recovery for over six years, my children are thriving, and I now serve as Walk Chair for the very event that first gave me hope.

My healing has also reconnected me to my culture as a Little Shell Chippewa descendant, grounding me in traditions and resilience that I carry into my work. I share my story through powwows, community events, and local outreach by creating spaces for conversations around suicide, grief, and healing.

Alongside this community work, I’ve also stepped into public policy advocacy with AFSP, participating in both statewide and national Advocacy Action Days. Meeting with lawmakers to share my story allows me to lift the voices of those who have a connection to this cause into policies that shape suicide prevention. This includes securing support for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and ensuring that minority populations, including tribal populations and LBGTQ+ communities, and veterans, have equitable access to care.

From attending that first Walk, when I was carrying such profound loss, to now leading community efforts and advocating for change at every level, I’ve seen how powerful it is when we come together. This work gives meaning to my loss, strength to my recovery, and purpose for the future. I share my story so others know they are not alone and that together, we can turn loss into healing, resilience, and hope.