An annual walk to spread a message of kindness

SANDPOINT — Kindness and compassion.

The goal of the annual Walk for HOPE is to spread that message and promote suicide awareness, hope and healing, organizers said.

The annual Long Bridge Walk, which begins at 5pm on Sunday 1st September. This year walkers can either join the walk across the bridge or take part in their own walk at a location of their choice on the same day.

The walk is sponsored by Hold On Pain Ends, a nonprofit founded by the Wyman family after losing their daughter, Madison, to suicide at age 14. A freshman at Sandpoint High School, the teen was a member of the JV soccer team, active in her church youth group and a member of the local 4-H program.

To honor the teen, the family launched HOPE and the Walk for HOPE, which is held every year on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend to kick off Suicide Awareness Month.

The goal, Wyman said earlier, is to spread a message of awareness and hope, that no matter how bad things may seem, there is always tomorrow, there is always someone who cares.

“I love that we’re all together and we can walk across the bridge together and remember that everyone matters and everyone has their struggles,” Wyman told the hundreds of people gathered at a previous march. “We have our ups and downs, but we can help each other.”

Madison’s family and friends have been missing to break the veil of secrecy surrounding suicide and mental health since the teenager’s death.

Walkers who participated in the event say it is both heartwarming and inspiring to be a part of the event.

Knowing you’re not alone can make a huge difference, the marchers said, with some saying they’ve either suffered from depression or suicidal thoughts or know others who have. Knowing that others care, that they can get support and that they’re not alone has made a huge difference, they said.

Being part of Walk for HOPE allows them to pass on the support they have received.

The cost is $25 for adults and $20 for youth. T-shirts will be given to all registered walkers and scholarships will be available upon request. In addition, the group is handing out bright blue bracelets, each with a secret message, each one capable of saving a life.

On the outside, you can read the words “smile” and “Hold On Pain Ends,” the words behind the band’s name. Inside, however, is a lifeline for everyone: “Crisis? Text 741-741,” the suicide prevention text line.

At the end of the walk, there will be music and food for a moment of connection between participants.

Participants can share photos and messages of support on social media using the hashtag “walkforhope2024.”

To register, go online to bit.ly/4dEWftD or stop by Scotchman’s Coffee, 509 N. Fifth Ave., Sandpoint on Friday, August 30 or Saturday, August 31.

Information: walkforhopesandpoint.org