Spots still available for Suicide Awareness Walk in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Signs highlighting suicide awareness have been placed around the campus of Lake Tahoe Community College, all in preparation for the third annual Awareness Walk: Emily's Walk for Hope on Saturday.

Walk organizer Lisa Utzig Schafer of the Suicide Prevention Network got the signs up in time for the college's new student celebration. The group is inviting the community to participate in the walk that focuses on remembering those lost to suicide and to help end the stigma surrounding suicide.

Local business owners and individuals made donations to create the signs. There will be more ways to remember loved ones at the walk.

Emily’s Walk for Hope was founded in 2017 by longtime local, Susan Alessi. Susan is the mother of Emily Ann Alessi, born and raised in South Lake Tahoe who died by suicide in 2014.

The walk will begin with an opening ceremony at 10:00 a.m. to include inspirational guest speakers, registration and coffee. Following the walk there will be a closing ceremony that will include a butterfly release. Local agencies will also be stationed at the event with outreach information.

There are multiple ways to become involved in Emily’s Walk for Hope - become a sponsor, provide food for the event, volunteer to assist the day of and/or participate in the walk.

Register online at https://emilyswalkforhope.app.rsvpify.com/.

With suicide rates on the rise, it is more important than ever to work together to end the stigma that prevents friends or family members from reaching out for the help they need. For questions about the event, please email lschafer@spnawareness.org or call/text 530-600-6520.