Annual Speak Walk to Raise Awareness Of Teen Suicide, 9/16

The suicide rate among teens and young adults (ages 10-24) continues with suicide being the second cause of death for this age group.

The Speak Up Foundation of Kansas City is working hard to diminish that trend and save those young people who are our future. Founded in 2015 by two local families whose children died by suicide, the Speak Up Foundation's mission is to raise awareness about suicide and depression and help stop the stigma associated with suicide. "Speak Up" stands for Suicide Prevention Education Awareness for Kids United as Partners.

On Sunday, Sept. 16, annual Speak Up Walk will take place at Garmin Pavilion, 1200 E. 151st St. in Olathe. Funds raised through the walk support mental health programs, speakers and activities in schools throughout the metro area.

In addition to the 1/3-mile walk, the Speak Up event will include various mental health organizations hosting resource tables filled with information. Healthy refreshments will be provided for participants. Baskets filled with donated items will be raffled off with proceeds going to the foundation's efforts. There will also be a photo booth and face painting activities at the family-centered event.

The walk is in memory of Jason Arkin, Sara Prideaux and Lane Marrs - all three young people who died by suicide. Karen and Steve Arkin lost their 20-year-old son Jason, who had been dealing with depression throughout his lifetime. Jason was a Blue Valley Northwest graduate attending Northwestern University.

Sixteen-year-old Sara Prideaux was a student at Shawnee Mission South when she died by suicide leaving her mother Allie Doss to grieve. Sara fought depression in silence telling no one.

Eighteen-year-old Lane Marrs was attending college at the University of Arkansas. She had struggled with PTSD and depression following a physical assault. Life was overwhelming and Lane died by suicide.

These parents, joined by friends and supporters, are working to make a difference.

"If you have cancer or other visible illness, it is okay to talk about. When it is a mental illness, those impacted, like Lane, often hide in misplaced shame due to concern of how you will be viewed," Jan Marrs said. "I wanted to join an effort that finds ways to get teens, schools and families to bring the illness to light."

The participation fee for the SPEAK UP WALK is $25 for adults, $10 youth (18 and under) and includes a walk T-shirt if registered by Sept. 1; registration will be taken until the morning of the walk. Funds raised through the walk will support the YOU BE YOU teen mental health campaign and other collaborative efforts of the mental health coalition. To register for the walk, visit www.speakup.us.