10th Annual P.S. I Love You Day Is Friday

LONG ISLAND, NY — It seems appropriate that P.S. I Love You Day, a movement started by West Islip resident Brooke DiPalma, falls on Valentine's Day this year. The 23-year-old started the day in 2010 following tragic death of her father. After her father took his own life when she was 14 years old, DiPalma decided she wanted to start a club in order to combat bullying and spread awareness for suicide prevention.

Now, 10 years later, the day of awareness has been proclaimed by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo thanks to a resolution by Mike LiPetri and is celebrated by over 200 schools across the country.

"The reason why this year means so much is that it's become so much more than just my story, it's a story we all created together," DiPalma told Patch. "It's been great to see everyone take it and make it their own. If we made it this far in 10 years, in 20 years I can only imagine how far we can come and how much the stigma can be decreased."

To celebrate P.S. I Love You Day, communities are encouraged to wear purple. This year, the theme is "Your Story is Worth Telling."

"Our annual celebration opens the conversation to prevent bullying and suicide among all age groups," DiPalma said. "In addition, it educates and provides hope for those who are suffering from a mental illness and those who know someone who is. We cannot be more thrilled to have 230 schools celebrate this year with us. Together we continue to bring greater awareness to this crisis."

DiPalma's sister Jaimie DiPalma, Director of P.S. I Love You Day, Inc., is also a teacher at Cayuga Elementary School in Lake Grove and has helped her sister bring awareness to the movement into her school and others across America.

"This year we were able to send out participation packages to the first 200 schools participating and have really emphasized the importance of students speaking up about their feelings," she said. "We want everyone to know it is okay not to be okay and to be aware of resources to help them. Your story is worth telling."

Suffolk County Legislator Steven Flotteron also showed his support for DiPalma and her cause.

"I’ve known Brooke for more than ten years, I along with the rest of the West Islip community are so proud of how in ten short years, this initiative has reached more 200 schools nationally and internationally even in Tapei, Tawaiin," he said. "She just came home today and business after business are embracing Brooke and this day. P.S. I Love You, we love you Brooke and all those who have helped to create this day."

All photos courtesy of Brooke DiPalma