Suicide awareness walk helps community

MENOMINEE, Mich. - Menominee County Register of Deeds and County Clerk Mike Jasper was found dead on his farm a week ago Saturday of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

“It was very somber,” said Jeanne Harper, a retired psychotherapist and suicide prevention consultant for the Menominee area. “A lot of emotions.”

With the recent death of Jasper, the annual "Embrace Life" suicide awareness walk couldn't have come at a better time this year.

“We had a feeling there would be a few more because for the events this past week,” said Harper. “We hoped this would give people a way to express their feelings.

Race participants walked with and displayed balloons in memory of those who committed suicide, including Jasper.

“Right in front of Mike's door there was Doritos and all the candy that he liked,” said Harper. “People just had to find ways. And that is what's important. This gives them another way to deal with that reality and say Mike we remember you.”

One of the goals of the walk is to make people aware that it is okay to talk about suicide.

“The culture of Marinette and Menominee is they do not want to get involved with suicide,” said Mark Collard of Menominee. “They don't understand it and people just are I believe afraid of the subject.”

After losing her 15-year-old son, Bryant Schick, to suicide four years ago, Gail Schick and her family always participate in the "Embrace Life" walk.

“I had been touched by suicide before but never was it going to be one of my children,” said Schick.

Schick says the message from the walk should be clear.

“It’s my hope that doing this walk that more families get the help and support they need,” said Schick.

While the "Embrace Life" walk helps Schick in the healing process, race organizers hope it can have the same effect on the community grieving the loss of Jasper.

“We hope this will give people a way to express their feelings because other people go around and denial is pretty good and so it’s hard,” said Harper “Things go on, so things at the courthouse have to go on.”

Proceeds from today's event will help fund Suicide Prevention projects, and war veterans dealing with post traumatic stress disorder.