COEUR d’ALENE — Just about everyone walking in Saturday’s Annual Suicide Prevention and Awareness Walk at Riverstone Park had stories to share of loved ones lost to suicide.

Karen C. Petit, who has provided survivor support with Panhandle Health District’s Suicide Prevention Action Network of North Idaho for 19 years, proudly showed off her Oregon Ducks T-shirt in honor of her brother, Donnie, who took his own life at the age of 42. 

Petit described how no one could have seen Donnie’s death coming — which is often the case with those struggling with depression and other mental illnesses.  

“So many suffer in silence because of stigma,” said Petit. “It just shouldn’t be that way.”  

Organizations like SPAN have helped survivors like Petit find community and healing.  

“I couldn’t believe how many people came out of the woodwork with their own stories when I lost my brother,” Petit recalled.  

A few hundred people gathered for Saturday’s walk, many donning shirts and other memorabilia in remembrance of loved ones.  

Dozens of vendors were also in attendance to provide resources to those who may need them, including several local health agencies, the National Alliance on Mental Illness and Al-Anon.  

For many, Saturday’s event was a celebration of hope and the courage to keep going.   

“It is a wonderful day, despite what it is we’re walking for,” said Petit.  

Some attendees saw Saturday’s event as an opportunity to share their loved one’s story in hopes of creating change.  

Lorena Hernandez lost her son, Anthony S. Flores Jr., to suicide when he was 26 years old. 

Wearing a shirt featuring Anthony’s portrait, Hernandez explained that she is working with NAMI to fight for changes in mental health treatment that she believes could save lives.  

“I’m here, and involved with NAMI, because something needs to change,” said Hernandez. 

SPAN holds a survivors of suicide loss support group on the first Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m. at Panhandle Health.  

If you or a loved one are struggling with thoughts of suicide, you are not alone. The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached 24/7 by dialing 988.   

    A few hundred people walked in Saturday's annual Suicide Prevention and Awareness Walk, put on by Panhandle Health District’s Suicide Prevention Action Network of North Idaho, at Riverstone Park in Coeur d'Alene.
  

    The route for Saturday's annual suicide prevention and awareness walk was lined with signs in honor of those who have been lost to suicide.