The twentieth annual Walk 4 Hope brought suicide awareness, connection and mental health resources to the Provo community on Saturday, Sept. 28 at Timpanogos Elementary.
Many attendees and volunteers gathered to honor the loved ones they’ve lost to suicide.
“I lost my son, Josh, in 2017,” Stephanie Hansen, Walk 4 Hope co-chair, said. “We had no idea that he was struggling.”
She said she became involved in the walk shortly after.
“I needed some sort of connection because I was completely lost,” Hansen said.
Non-profit organization Hope4Utah organized the gathering. The walk aimed to bring people who share similar experiences to Hansen’s together.
“To be able to let someone walk for their loved one,” Amanda Shields, Walk 4 Hope Chair, said. “To be able to bring awareness to suicide through those who have lost someone.”
The event features local mental health resources and a presentation, including speeches from Miss Utah Paris Matthews, Miss Utah’s Teen Kira Gardner, BYU adjunct professor Jason Conover and a performance by former BYU student Sierra Livermore.
“As we engaged, as we linked arms, as we cared, it did make a difference,” Conover said.
Attendees observed a moment of silence then watched doves fly before starting a two-mile walk through downtown Provo.
“We get attention from cars driving by,” Shields said.
Shields said she lost her brother to suicide. Becoming involved in the walk was her way of giving back.
“He gave to others and I had a feeling that he would want me to do the same,” she said.
Some attendees even attached clothespins with “You R Loved” written on them on others’ clothing, spreading a message of hope, love and community.