Glimmer of Hope

Greeley's 3rd Annual Glimmer of Hope is this Saturday, September 12th, 2015! A 3k Walk/Run and Balloon Release that will truly touch your heart and leave you inspired to be a better person is Greeley's Glimmer of Hope. This 3k is unlike any other I have heard of. The walk takes place just before twilight on Saturday and when twilight comes, so does the heartfelt balloon release.

What is the Glimmer of Hope? Glimmer of Hope is an event put on every year by the Suicide Education and Support Services of North Range Behavioral Health in Greeley, or SESS. This organization is a special support services provided by North Range Behavioral Health that helps those affected by the suicide of a loved one. They are there for the families and friends that are impacted by this sudden and shocking tragedy. Suicide is a very, very difficult topic for most people but for those that are impacted by suicide personally, it's the worst time of their lives. Many need a support system that's different than when loved one passes in another kind of way. Suicide is just in itself a whole different level of grief, and SESS gives that support to the friends and families that go through this in Greeley and the surrounding areas.

This 3k Walk and Balloon Release raises funds that go to this one of a kind service. I spoke with SESS member and volunteer Kimberly Rodriguez more about the event and she gave me all the details about what Saturday will be like. It'll start at 6pm in Bittersweet Park in Greeley with the 3k walk/run. Speakers will be soon after the walk/run, as well as food for everyone. There will be also lawn games, face painting, and the gorgeous Miss Colorado United States Pageant Queens, who are also supporting Glimmer of Hope and bringing awareness to Suicide Prevention. When it becomes twilight the balloon release will take place. Family members and anyone else who wishes too, can write a message and or have a photo of a loved one lost to suicide and place it in a balloon, along with a light to make the balloon glow bright. The balloons are released into the night sky and create a glimmering and inspirational glow, as a remembrance of those affected by suicide.

Glimmer of Hope registration is available before the event but early registration beforehand is highly recommended. If you can't make the event, donations can be made as well. I encourage everyone, even if you haven't been impacted by suicide, to support and just even witness this amazing experience as a heartfelt human. This event is in hopes of preventing future suicides in our communities. If you have lost a loved one to suicide, know someone that has been affected by suicide, or just want to be supportive in preventing suicide you will love this event!