3rd Annual Suicide Prevention Walk-a-thon a moving experience

When Live On organizers Kim Carnes Molina and daughter Amber Chambers lost Junior - their son and brother - they turned their personal tragedy into an effort to save others and help heal those that have survived.

This year was Live On's 3rd Annual Suicide Prevention and Awareness Walk-a-thon. Monies raised from the walk-a-thons help with the cost of outreach and the two support groups held once a month each. One group is for anyone who has lost someone to suicide and the other is for people who have the ideation of suicide. The meetings are held the second Monday of the month. FOr those who lost someone the meetings are held at 5:30-6:30 and those with ideation held at 6:30 -7:30 at the Refuge church in Angels, behind BHHS.

Local author and survivor Charity Maness spoke at the onset of the walk-a-thon relating her story of loss and the need to embrace Live-On's philosophy of 'breaking the silence and stigma associated with suicide.'

This year to date in Calaveras County there have been 15 confirmed suicides, 99 in the last ten years. Calaveras County exceeds twice the national average.

 The 99 shoes symbolize the 99 suicide deaths in Calaveras County in the last 10 years.

 Kim Carnes Molina and Amber Chambers in front of last years signature quilt, where those who lost a loved one to suicide can sign their name and leave a message.

For more information on Live On visit their facebook page at  https://www.facebook.com/liveoncalaveras?ref=ts

"Live On! a non-profit organization in Calaveras County, is dedicated to breaking the silence and stigma that suicide may be to some.  Please know that you are not alone.  The suicide rates in in Calaveras County are unfortunately greater than the national average.  The friends at Live On! are offering two new support peer groups. One is for the survivors of suicide, people that have lost someone, whether it be a family member, a friend or an acquaintance to suicide.  The other is for attempters, those that have had thoughts of suicide or have attempted suicide.  The members of Live On! are not counselors or therapists.  They are peers who have lost loved ones to suicide or attempted suicide. Live On! offers hope through positive action.  These groups are meant to be a safe place for people who have been through similar events to come together and talk.  Untreated depression makes one vulnerable.  Come talk and share your feelings and thoughts.
Live On! aims to educate the community about the signs of risk, how to support and refer others, where to get help - and most of all hopes to encourage others to Live On!

Meetings will be held on the second Monday of each month at The Refuge Church on Murphys Grade Rd, in Murphys next to Bret Harte High School.  Meetings for survivors of suicide will be held at 5:30pm and meetings for attempters will be at 6:30pm.  The next meetings will take place on Monday, June 11th.  We look forward to seeing you there.

Live On! hopes to expand its meetings to other parts of the County.  With your help and support we will.  FOr more information please call Live On! President, Kim Molina at (209) 559-6648 or Amber Chambers at (209) 623-8024.  Please help break the silence."