By Letters To The Editor via Marin Independent Journal

As a Marin Suicide Prevention Collaborative volunteer, I recently attended a community event that was truly special. It was called “Shine.” It was created to shine a light on teen mental health and suicide prevention. I am an “angel mom” who lost a teen to suicide. As such, I am filled with gratitude for the awareness the Shine event brings.
Marin has a serious problem with suicide and today’s pressures put our young ones at a heightened risk. Even though the event was designed to bring awareness to teen suicide, Shine was fun-filled, inspirational and hopeful. It brought the community together in a celebratory way that built a sense of us all being in this together.
This is how we create change in the world and make it a better and safer place for the next generation. We all must shine the light on these issues. Know the signs, educate yourself and others, and help end stigma by talking openly about your own struggles. No one should ever feel alone or afraid to ask for help.
I want to share my deepest gratitude to Rosina Caleca, my dear friend and “angel mom” sister, as well as all her “Earth angels” who made the event possible. I want to give special thanks to the Elks Club for the beautiful venue
— Kate Ruehle, Novato