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| | Our MissionTo build an informed and compassionate community that works together to address mental health challenges, promote emotional well-being, and support those affected so no one has to struggle alone.… in Kathy’s name. |
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| | A Note From Our FounderDr. Michelle Boodoo |
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| On November 1st, I launched my book, Grieving You, at the AFSP Out of the Darkness Walk in Palm Beach. It was a day of tears and gratitude, heartbreaking yet deeply healing. Standing among others who carry stories of love and loss reminded me that even in grief, we are never alone. Grieving You was written from that place of remembrance and hope. It’s available anywhere books are sold. Click here for the Amazon link.
All proceeds from Grieving You go back to the work we do at In Her Name for preventing suicide and mental health. |
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Palm Beach AFSP WalkOn November 1st, we joined the AFSP Out of the Darkness Walk in Palm Beach as a community partner. Just hours before the event, I received the news that my book, Grieving You, had been officially approved for publication. I decided to launch it at the walk, surrounded by others who understood my pain.
Throughout the day, parents shared their stories, photos, memories, and small gifts in honor of their children. One mom gave us a white bracelet with her son’s name, Valentine, and the numbers 143 engraved in red. “143” means I love you... a message passed down in her family for over 70 years.
These moments remind me why we do this. Each story, each hug, each tear shared brings connection and hope. The AFSP walks unite us in our grief and healing and remind us that we are never alone. If you’ve never been to one, I encourage you to visit AFSP.org and find a walk in your community. Together, we can raise awareness, support mental health, and shine a light on those who are struggling in silence. |
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| Miami AFSP Walk
On November 16th, we had the honor of being a Community Partner at the AFSP Out of the Darkness Walk in Miami. The day was beautiful, with sunny skies and an ocean breeze, but the true beauty was in the people who gathered with open hearts and stories of love, loss, and hope.
We met a young woman walking for herself, supported by her loving parents who stand beside her every day. We met another woman proudly walking for her father, his name among hundreds on her shirt, each name a reminder of why these walks matter.
AFSP brings together those grieving, those fighting to stay alive, supporters, and those working to save lives. If you can, please join an Out of the Darkness Walk near you. Your presence and compassion truly make a difference. |
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| | Grieving You Book Reviews are Coming In… |
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| | | The Waves of You is one of my poems in my book. Grief can be painful, overwhelming, and messy, but it’s also where I find Kathy again. In those waves, I see her soft smile, I hear the faint echo of her laughter, and I can imagine her dancing like no one is watching. In the waves of grief, she is there....she will always be there. I hope you find your beloved ones in your grief. |
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| | Suicide Prevention Starts with All of Us
Suicide prevention starts with all of us.
Learn the warning signs. Check on your loved ones. Listen without judgment. Be supportive and present.
A simple conversation can save a life. You matter, and so do the people around you. |
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| | Hope and Healing
I hope you find healing from the things you don’t talk about.....the pain you carry quietly, the thoughts you push down, the moments you try to get through on your own. You don’t have to stay silent. You don’t have to struggle by yourself. Please ask for help. Reach out to a family member, a friend, someone you trust, or a mental health professional. And if you feel overwhelmed or unsafe, you can call or text 988. There is support waiting for you, real people who care and want to help you through the darkness.
Please don’t keep your pain inside… just say something. You don’t have to do this alone. |
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| His Fight is Your Fight
Many men are silently struggling with their mental health, often feeling ashamed or afraid to ask for help. This silence can be deadly. According to the CDC, men die by suicide 4 times more often than women...a heartbreaking reminder of how urgent this issue is.
We must support the men in our lives, both within our families and communities. We need to create safe spaces where they can speak openly without judgment. Breaking the stigma isn’t just important, it’s lifesaving. When we encourage honest conversations and show compassion, we help ensure that those who are hurting feel comfortable reaching out for help.
Please remind the men in your life that asking for help and support is not a sign of weakness, and that they are not alone. |
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| | Be Kind…Always
We never truly know what someone else is carrying...the silent battles, the hidden pain, or the weight of depression and other mental health struggles. A smile, a kind word, or a simple act of compassion can mean more than you’ll ever realize. Kindness has the power to remind someone that they’re seen, that they matter, and that they’re not alone in what they’re feeling. So today, and every day, choose kindness, not because it’s easy, but because it can make a difference in someone’s life. |
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| Stop Suicide
Suicide rates are rising, and it’s a heartbreaking reminder that we all have a role to play in helping to stop it. One of the most powerful things we can do is learn the warning signs and be there for the people around us, especially those who always seem happy.
Sometimes, the brightest smiles hide the deepest pain. Many people struggle in silence, feeling afraid or ashamed to ask for help. However, reaching out with compassion, patience, and an open heart can make all the difference. A simple check-in, a kind word, or a listening ear can save a life. |
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International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day is a day to remember, honor, and hold space for those of us grieving someone we love. If you’ve lost someone to suicide, please be gentle with yourself, reach out if you need support, and say their name...their love lives on through remembrance. |
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| | Disclaimer: In Her Name & Online Community is for informational purposes. It is not meant to serve as medical advice or to replace consultation with your physician or mental health professional.
If you or someone you know is in distress, CALL or TEXT 988 or go to https://988lifeline.org for help. The counselors will also help family members. |
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