Brittany Rebecca Helton

This last weekend, I had the opportunity to spend some time with some amazing, inspiring individuals that represented 59 chapters from 37 states from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. I met mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, daughters, sons, sisters brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who all have been affected by the tragedy of suicide.

One woman that I found extremely interesting was the mother of one of the shooters from the Columbine tragedy. She held her head high and was such an amazingly strong woman that I had the incredible opportunity to have a moment to speak with. She still, after all this time, lives in the town where the tragedy took place. Not caring what people thought of her. Not caring that people are still judging her for what her son did. She brought me to tears. I am forever moved by her.

So many people with so many sad stories to tell, and there they all were….trying to make this a world without suicide. Trying to help others not feel the pain that we all feel on a daily basis.

The 3 days were filled with conferences that provided some interesting information, and some controversial and enlightening conversation. I walked away feeling a renewed sense of energy and hope to get the Las Vegas Chapter up and running and to hopefully be as successful as some of the other chapters that have been running for some time. They are my guiding light, just like you are.

It’s because of you that I have the energy to do this. You and your sisters are what keep me going on a daily basis. I am nothing without the 4 of you.