Annual walk spreads message of kindness

SANDPOINT — Kindness and compassion.

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

The annual walk across the Long Bridge, which begins at 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 1. This year, walkers can either join in the walk across the bridge or take part in their own walk at a location of their choosing on the same day.

The walk is sponsored by Hold On Pain Ends, a non-profit formed by the Wyman family after they lost their daughter, Madison, to suicide at the age of 14. A freshman at Sandpoint High School, the teen was on 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 held annual on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend as a way to kick off Suicide Awareness Month.

The goal, Jennifer Wyman said previously, 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 to have as many of us come together and as a community we can walk the bridge and we can remind each other that everybody matters and everybody has their struggles,” Wyman told the hundreds gathered at a previous walk. “You have ups and downs but we can help each other.”

Madison's family and friends have been on a missing to break the shroud of secrecy around suicide and mental health since the teen's death.

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

Knowing you aren't alone can make a tremendous difference, said walkers, some saying they have either struggled with depression or suicidal thoughts in the past or know others who have. Knowing that others care, that there is support, and that they aren't alone made a tremendous difference, they said.

Being a part of Walk for HOPE allows them to pay forward the support that they received.

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

On the outside are the words “smile” and “Hold On Pain Ends” — the words behind the group’s name. On the 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 time for participants to connect.

Participants can share pictures and message 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, Aug. 30; or Saturday, Aug. 31.

Information: walkforhopesandpoint.org