Suicide Prevention Fundraiser In Cumming Started By Sister

CUMMING, GA — On Sept. 4, 2018, Ali Norris' life changed forever after her older brother, Stephen, died by suicide.

"Stephen was the kind of brother every sister dreams of having," Ali told Patch. "Patient, caring, supportive, protective and incredibly fun to be around. He was the smartest person I knew. As his fraternity brother said, 'he was quite simply the best of us.'"

He attended the University of Georgia, where he studied accounting. He later graduated posthumously with honors in May 2019. Stephen had a passion for fishing, and spent his summers working on charter fishing boats on Cape Cod, Ali said.

Two months later, Ali, along with her family and friends, participated in an American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Out of the Darkness Community Walk at Piedmont Park in Atlanta.

"Although this experiences was extremely difficult, I felt less alone and supported by my community," Ali said.

In spring 2021, a student at Central High School died by suicide. It was at his celebration of life event that Ali knew she needed to take action.

The next semester, Ali presented an idea to her principal and administration team of bringing an Out of the Darkness Campus Walk to her school.

"They were incredibly supportive of the idea and asked that we include all eight Forsyth County high schools," she said. "Students and staff at every school in our county are struggling with anxiety, depression, isolation, and suicidal ideation. It is crucial that our community supports all of our schools, because mental illness does not discriminate."

The 2022 Campus Walk will take place at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 26 at Forsyth Central High School, 131 Almon C. Hill Dr.

As of Tuesday, $44,430 has been raised of the group's $45,000 goal. This was thanks to the 270 participants who have registered so far.

"Every single person attending represents hope," Ali said. "Although I am thrilled that we are one of the top fundraising AFSP Campus Walks in the country, I am most driven to reach at least one person struggling with their mental health."

Although hosted in Forsyth County, Ali said the walk is open to everyone.

"The community support is the most important aspect of this event," she said. "It is the sense of coming together that will help individuals feel less alone in their mental health journey. I feel truly grateful to live in a place like Forsyth County, and I have received incredible support from the people and businesses in this county."

To join a team, register as an individual, or create your own team, visit online.