Suicide Awareness Walk Will Be This Sunday In Middletown

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Next Sunday, May 31, a suicide-awareness walk will be held at the Middletown Arts Center, and it was founded by a recent graduate of Middletown High School South.

This is Middletown's fourth annual Be the Difference Walk.

The walk was founded in 2023 by Middletown High School South graduate Piper Wyman, currently enrolled in college at San Diego State University. She started the walk while she was still a high school student in Middletown, after seeing how frequently suicide was affecting both her own life and the lives of those around her.

“I felt that not enough was being done to create change, so I decided to take action and make a difference," says Wyman.

In 2022, she approached Middletown officials with the idea to hold a walk.

“When I spoke about what I wanted to accomplish, I said I wanted to make a difference. I said I wanted to ‘be the difference.’ That’s when it hit me — there could be no better name for the walk,” she said.

This year’s walk will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, May 31. Check-in begins at 10:00 a.m. at the Middletown Arts Center (36 Church Street)

Participants will walk from the Middletown Arts Center to Town Hall (1 Kings Highway), where attendees can visit tables hosted by wellness organizations, community groups and mental health resources. The event will also feature speakers, music, and opportunities for residents to learn more about suicide prevention and mental health support services available in the community.

Since its founding, Wyman's walk has raised nearly $35,000 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, New Jersey Chapter and its mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.

“We are given only one life to live, and I believe it’s essential that we live that life to the fullest,” Wyman said. “Never feel ashamed to do what you need to do to be okay. There is no health without mental health.”

The event has also become a powerful example of community unity, bringing together students from Middletown High School North and South, local organizations, volunteers, families, educators, and community leaders in support of mental health awareness.

“Our goal is to remind people that they are not alone and that conversations about mental health matter,” said Alex Taddeo, managing director of the walk. “Even one conversation, one act of kindness, or one person reaching out can truly make a difference.”

Follow @bethedifference_nj on Instagram and TikTok for updates. Click HERE for more information and to register. Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis can call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.