LV Family to Walk for Suicide Awareness

The Kalmus family of Long Valley faced an unexpected tragedy on Sept. 16, when they learned that their grandfather, Stephen Kalmus, took his own life after years of illness. 

Alexis Kalmus, 16, the eldest of the Kalmus children, also endured a similar situation last December when schoolmate Stephen Nichols, 14, committed suicide, has decided to take action.

The following information has been provided by the Kalmus family. To help raise awareness, please click on the link at the bottom.

Life is Short and at many times unpredictable. Last year West Morris Central High School lost a very important student, 14-year-old Stephen A. Nichols, and then with no signs or warning, my family lost my grandfather, Stephen Kalmus just two short weeks ago on Friday, Sept. 16, 2011. While seeking support and trying to make sense of a senseless, selfish act, my dad came upon AFSP (American Foundations for Suicide Prevention) and thought to himself that this could be a good way for our family and friends to express their grief and frustration in a positive and constructive way.

If you would be so kind to please join us raise money and awareness so that other families may not have to endure the pain of losing a loved one in such a tragic manner. If we ban together and just one life is saved, then I as well as the others that will walk with me will have ultimately achieved our goal. My family and a couple of friends will be joining with thousands of people nationwide to walk in AFSP's Northwest New Jersey Walk to benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. I would appreciate any support that you give me for this worthwhile cause.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is at the forefront of research, education and prevention initiatives designed to reduce loss of life from suicide. With more than 33,000 lives lost each year in the U.S. and over one million worldwide, the importance of AFSP's mission has never been greater, nor our work more urgent.

I hope you will consider supporting my participation in this event. Any contribution will help the work of AFSP, and all donations are 100 percent tax deductible.

Donating online is safe and easy. To make an online donation please click the "Support This Participant" button on this page.