Hello everyone, my name is Will Deutschendorf. A little more than 6 years ago I lost my twin brother Hank to suicide. I was destroyed after the loss. Destroyed doesn't even come close to describing it. It was more like I shattered and then life came by with a giant boot to stomp out the leftover pieces. Thanks to Survivors of Suicide Loss (SOSL), along with my close friends and family, I was able to get back on my feet and grow from the experience.
Eventually, I started helping facilitate meetings, not so much because I was ready, but because there were just too many survivors of loss. Meetings were so crammed that sometimes people wouldn't have time to speak. Thanks to those who gave me the space to grieve I was able to step up. Since then I have facilitated Survivor of Suicide Loss meetings in San Diego for 5 years, and know I have made a difference for others. Unfortunately, as the rates of suicide have increased, so have the number of suicide loss survivors. There is a huge need for what SOSL provides, and they desperately need help to continue offering these critical support groups in order to support more and more people.
As a way to raise funds for SOSL and raise awareness for those left behind by suicide, I am hosting a benefit concert at the Aztec Brewery in Vista! Aztec Brewery has generously offered to supply the space and give $1 from every drink sold to SOSL. Please come and support our cause in person or donate online to this page! There will also be a taco truck available at the event and a table for anyone looking for more information about the organization.
Big thanks to Rob Totty who has helped organize the band list for this event. Having lost students he cared about to suicide loss, he hopes this event will make a difference. He will be performing and MCing the event.
Hope to see you there!
