A BRAND NEW DAY: Hoboken Solace House Walk Brings Suicide Prevention Into the Light — SATURDAY, MAY 19th

On May 19th, folks along the Hoboken Waterfront will join others across the NY Metro Area and throughout the US & Canada in the inaugural Solace Sunrise Walk to support Solace House—a suicide prevention center whose mission is to create a world where suicide, self-harm and stigma have been replaced by hope, self-care and acceptance.

Solace House was founded by Irish Senator Joan Freeman who also founded the Pieta House – an organization that shares Solace House’s mission – over ten years ago in Ireland. Pieta House hosts an event similar to the Solace Sunrise Walk called Darkness into Light, which attracted more than 200,000 walkers this year.

“While we’ve all felt the pain that comes from suicide and self-harm, it’s the pain of those that make these too often permanent decisions that we are trying to heal,” stated Ashley Wohlrab, co-chair of the Hoboken Solace House Walk. “If our efforts help just one person find the light they so desperately need it will be worth it.”

Wohlrab brought her marketing and organizing expertise to the event because, as she told hMAG, “every person we encounter is dealing with something, and we can all be a part of helping them push away the darkness.”

Steve Lenox, president of Irish Network USA, also served as a co-chair for the event and added that “our organization is committed to serving the community, and this event, being replicated in cities across the US is just one way we are doing that.”

“What’s most remarkable about this walk, and another key reason we wanted to be involved, is that it doesn’t judge those that seek help in any way. The comfort we hope it brings to not just the Irish community, but anyone that needs it, is important to us.

The Solace Sunrise Walk is a unique and exhilarating experience, starting in each city at 5 a.m. with participants crossing the finish lines just as dawn is breaking. During these early morning hours, as dusk emerges into daylight, walkers – many, complete strangers – begin to open up and share in one another’s personal stories. The event us unlike any other, symbolizing the journey of many individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts or engaging in self-harm, who turn to Solace House for support and free therapeutic counseling. Furthermore, the walk is permission for individuals bereaved by suicide to openly grieve those they have lost; the walk itself is a healing process and a chance for people to come together in the fight against suicide.

The funds raised will help Solace House expand counseling services for those who are in suicidal crisis, and will also help the organization broaden its services through much-needed awareness workshops and training programs. Importantly, they will enable Solace House to continue providing these critical services at no cost to those seeking help.

“I am overwhelmed by the response we have received since bringing Solace House to the U.S. and am thrilled to walk in solidarity with our supporters in our first inaugural Solace Sunrise Walk later this month,” said Senator Joan Freeman, Founder and CEO of Solace House. “The Solace Sunrise Walk will bring us strides closer to our goal of preventing suicides in our communities.”

CLICK HERE for online registration and further details about Hoboken Solace Sunrise Walk.

Solace Sunrise Walk – Hoboken
Saturday, May 19, 2018
4:00 AM – 7:00 AM EDT
Pier A Park, Hoboken

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