LOS ANGELES — On April 17, The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and student service organization Agapé collaborated on the annual campus suicide prevention walk, “Hope Walks Here.” Loyola Marymount University’s Sculpture Garden was transformed into a place of commemoration, support, and hope. Through the AFSP “Out of the Darkness Walk” program, the event encouraged community people, educators, and students to unite in support of mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
Photos by: Laurel Keisler
AFSP, which helped host the event, is a voluntary health organization, assists survivors of suicide loss, funds scientific research, and educates the public about mental health and suicide prevention policy.
Participants for the walk were invited to check in at 11 a.m., and the event ran from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Students were given lottery tickets upon arriving for prizes, which were revealed at the end of the performance. Raffle prizes included items like Trader Joe’s snacks and four $100 Benny’s Tacos gift cards.
Student leaders Elizabeth Baranowski, sophomore psychology major and Vice President of Special Projects, along with Mia Estrada Morse, theater arts major and Vice President of Service as well as the main coordinator of the event, organized this year’s walk, besides two other Agapé members. Stating how proud they felt for continuing Agapé’s tradition of spreading awareness on suicide survivors.
Attendees gathered for a ceremony, to honor all loved ones who have personally lost someone to suicide prior to the walk. Speakers created an emotional and contemplative environment by sharing their own experiences with mental health and resilience, one being Kelly Manning the fundraising manager representative from AFSP. Vocalizing how their are communities and people on and off campus to speak to if you are struggling.
Hugo Maxwell, a therapy dog, and his owner, Sophie Meagher, were well-liked during the event. In the afternoon, students congregated on the lawn to sit with Hugo, pet him, and take in a peaceful moment. Talking about the effects of therapy animals, Meagher said, “it’s a fulfillment you can’t describe.”
“Animals are bringing so much happiness and friendship … It makes me happy seeing other people happy.”
Meagher added that this would be Hugo’s final year serving as a therapy dog, as he will retire at the end of the year.
Throughout the event, students were also encouraged to take part in interactive activities. Attendees could write supportive words for suicide survivors on a chalkboard, and students could leave letters of hope and encouragement on paper hearts. A table of colorful beads was also set up, with each bead symbolizing a person who has lost or almost lost a loved one to suicide. Prior to the start of the walk, Baranowski asked participants to raise the colors of the beads that represented their experiences. This was followed by a moment of silence for those who had faced hardship.
Students formed a line and marched across campus at 1:00 p.m. with signs encouraging awareness of suicide prevention. Participants returned to the Sculpture Garden for water, food, and the last raffle announcements after finishing the route.
Agapé’s Vice President of Social Justice and Spirituality, Amanda McCabe, a psychology and theatrical arts major, expressed pride in the attendance and the group’s capacity to foster community via service. “It’s nice to have a bunch of people come together and support one thing and just realize that they’re not alone in the big, grand sense.”
Mia, stated that this year’s AFSP walk had the highest attendance to date. She emphasized the importance of being honest about mental health issues and getting help when necessary. “Sometimes it takes the courage to ask for help, and once you ask for help people will be there for you with open arms.”
