Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Gratitude Day 780

When a family loses a loved one because of suicide, they often think about what they can do to try and prevent another family from going through their experience.

This is why Terry and Patty started a non-profit organization called BENS Hope. They want to spare other families the hardships and pain their family has endured since their son Ben’s suicide. Patty and Terry are committed to educating others, increasing awareness, offering support and reducing the stigma of suicide. If their efforts are the saving grace for someone who is contemplating suicide, this is even more significant.

The story began on Nov. 11, 2014, when Ben took his life. Parents Terry and Patty were blindsided. They thought suicide was something that happened to other families; not their tight knit one. Yet, they found themselves struggling to understand Ben’s decision.

Today, Patty and Terry run a monthly Survivors of Support (SOS) bereavement group. They have spoken to various clubs, organizations, EMS groups, police offices and middle school, high school and college-aged students. Committed to helping survivors journey through the devastation of losing a loved one to suicide, they sponsor an annual run/walk in September to increase awareness and raise funds for their work. Check out their website for other great information and their personal stories as well at: https://www.bens-hope.org/

While September was suicide awareness month, we can help BENS Hope continue their work year around by providing resources to their non-profit. Please consider making a donation towards preventing suicide, one of the worse nightmares a family can go through. Here’s how you can support BENS Hope:

Donate online via PayPal on their website:

Mail a donation: BENS Hope, 660 7^th Ave., Platteville, WI  53818

If your employer can match your donation, their EIN Number is: 84-4308598.

Losing a loved one is devastating. Losing one through suicide can devastate your world. Let’s support Terry and Patty and their decision to increase awareness of suicide through their non-profit organization. Let’s help them try and prevent more families from going through what they have experienced.

For the opportunity to increase awareness and remove some of the stigma of suicide, I am very grateful.

Blessings –

Dianne

Holy God – You know all the families who are struggling with the lost of a loved one through suicide. We thank you for organizations like BENS Hope that is committed to granting families who have lost a loved one HOPE once again. Amen.

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