"Tanya's Team" 2014!!!!

"On February 15th, 2013 I received a phone call that would change my life forever. I lost my sister and best friend on that day to suicide. When I look back and think of Tanya, the biggest image I have is "smiles". She glowed. Tanya did not have a selfish bone in her body. She was giving and loving, but most of all she was funny. I miss her light every day. After losing her, I felt compelled to take action. I only wish I had the knowledge about suicide then as I do today. So, my mission is to spread information about awareness. I also hope to reduce the stigma surrounding suicide. I strongly believe that this stigma only deepens the feeling of loneliness those who are considering suicide feel. Having thoughts of suicide is not something to be ashamed of, without support its is almost impossible for those who are overcome with this feeling to conquer it. I hope be a part of changing that stigma, to allow for more opportunities of accessing help for those who need it the most, like my sister Tanya did. We walked on September 21, 2014 for the Springfield, MA AFSP chapter. This is our second year using custom ink and your organization is amazingly supportive. You helped me get these shirts tailored to my vision without costing an excessive amount. Custom Ink even donated towards our cause! Our first year we have 34 team members and this year we rose to 52!!!! Well 54 if you count the two dogs who walked in Tanya's honor too! We raised 170% of our goal (which was $1000). Thank you for your support of our team. Sincerely, Melissa Saunders and all of Tanya's Team! " - http://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&participantID=550286 - Melissa (Sep 26, 2014)