News
13th Annual Walk in Remembrance with Hope
Thank you to all of our walkers, generous donors, sponsors, and exhibitors! We raised over $90,000 at our 13th Annual Walk in Remembrance with Hope which took place on Sunday, September 8th in beautiful Balboa Park! We kicked off Suicide Prevention Week as we walked in memory of a loved one, raised awareness, and helped …Continue Reading
The Voiceless Project
SOSL is grateful that we can provide support and services for those left behind after a suicide. The hope and healing that come from being with other survivors in a support group are one of the most effective ways to heal after losing a loved one in such a tragic way. So much healing, education, …Continue Reading
Secretary of State Alex Padilla & his wife Angela are Walk in Remembrance Keynote Speakers
SOSL and Directing Change are pleased to announce Secretary of State Alex Padilla and his wife Angela Padilla will be our keynote speakers for our opening ceremony this year. Secretary and Mrs. Padilla work tirelessly in the field of suicide prevention and mental health awareness throughout the state of California and have agreed to join us …Continue Reading
12th Annual San Diego SOSL Day – “Whispers of Hope”
Saturday, June 1st Register now for SOSL Day and join us for this designed to help you on your healing journey. Your SOSL Team has been planning a day with activities and resources to inspire and create hope for our survivor community. What is SOSL Day? SOSL Day is an event focused on hope …Continue Reading
SOSL Opening Two New Support Groups!
SOSL continues to offer more groups and services to the Survivor Community in San Diego County. We want to get the word about two new groups—bringing the number of locations where SOSL support groups meet to twelve. A new monthly group in the North County inland area now meets in the 4S Ranch area. This …Continue Reading
12th Annual Walk in Remembrance with Hope
Thank you to all of our walkers, generous donors, sponsors, and exhibitors! Our 12th Annual Walk in Remembrance with Hope took place on Sunday, November 11th, in beautiful Balboa Park! We walk in memory of a loved one, to raise awareness, to help break down the stigma surrounding mental health issues and suicide, and …Continue Reading
Suicide Prevention Week 2018
Talking about or learning about prevention can be difficult for many of us who have lost a loved one to suicide. For some, learning about the warning signs gives us a 20/20 vision of how our loved one was acting or living before they died. It can also bring up thoughts we struggle with, …Continue Reading
SOSL’s New Board Members
SOSL is pleased to announce the addition of two new board members: Lisa Falls and Bertha Loaiza. Lisa and Bertha have been connected to SOSL for a number of years, and we are grateful that they have agreed to become a part of the leadership team. They both bring unique qualities and experiences to our …Continue Reading
SOSL Day 2018
by Allison Sampite On a Saturday afternoon inside The Rock church in Point Loma, dozens arrived to grieve the loss of their loved ones. The gathering was a memorial of sorts, created to support survivors whose spouses, children, friends, and others died by suicide. The event was the 11th annual SOSL Day put on by Survivors …Continue Reading
SOSL – Telling Our Story
SOSL San Diego is an amazing organization that provides vital and life-changing services and support to those left behind after a suicide. However, what makes SOSL truly remarkable is you! Survivors of suicide loss embody extraordinary strength, courage, compassion and heart. From the day I had the privilege of stepping into the role of Executive …Continue Reading
Kim Bozart’s Story
SOSL would like to announce that Kim Bozart will serve as the new chair of the SOSL Board of Directors. Kim has served on the board for over 2 years, is a supervisor for the Psychiatric Emergency Response Team PERT – and is passionate about working towards mental wellness, survivor support, and suicide prevention in …Continue Reading
Registration now open for our 11th Annual San Diego SOSL Day!
Registration now open for our 11th Annual San Diego SOSL Day! Come join us on Saturday, April 7th at the Rock Church. This year our theme is “Hope Springs: Planting Seeds of Hope”. Come together to find community, connection, hope and healing with other survivors who understand your journey. Why do I want to attend …Continue Reading
Walk In Remembrance with Hope – Special Edition T-shirts Available!
SOSL depends on your generous donations all year long. We have some women’s V-neck T-shirts with the Walk in Remembrance with Hope Logo. We are already in the planning stage for our 2018 walk. Although the walk happens once a year in the fall, we are looking for financial support all year long to make …Continue Reading
Special Thanks – SOSL Can’t Do What We Do Without you!
We are well in the New Year, and SOSL has some exciting plans for continued growth in 2018! Whether you contribute on a monthly basis, through a fundraising appeal, the Ride for Life or our Walk in Remembrance with Hope, we appreciate all of you for your financial donations this past year. In December, one …Continue Reading
SOSL & Directing Changes 11th Annual Walk
SOSL & Directing Change 11th Annual Walk SOSL and Directing Change held the 11th Annual Walk on Sunday, November 12th in beautiful Balboa Park. Over 1,000 survivors and supporters came together to honor the lives lost to suicide. Thank you for your participation! Together we all took steps to break the stigma and find hope and …Continue Reading
Holiday Survival Guide
by Deric Metzger “The pleasure of remembering had been taken from me, because there was no longer anyone to remember with. It felt like losing your co-remember provides us with a Holiday Survival Guide meant losing the memory itself, as if the things we’d done were less real and important than they had been hours …Continue Reading
SOSL’s 11th Annual Walk
SOSL’s 11th Annual Walk: Sunday, November 12th Registration now open! Did you know that the annual Save a Life Walk has a new name this year? It is now the Walk in Remembrance with Hope. Survivors of Suicide Loss (SOSL) is thrilled to partner with Directing Change!* *Directing Change operates mental health awareness and suicide prevention programs: http://www.directingchange.org …Continue Reading
SOSL’s 2nd Annual Ride For Life
Saturday, September 2, 2017 – Suicide Prevention Month SOSL’s 2nd Annual Ride For Life is a great opportunity to bring suicide awareness to San Diego County! Last year we had a great turnout to our inaugural event, and we look to build on that success this year. The Ride For Life Poker Run will start …Continue Reading
Beyond Surviving Workshops
SOSL continues to expand our support services to educate and bring greater healing to our community. A new element we are introducing is our Beyond Surviving Workshops. These workshops are designed to provide psycho-educational support and greater understanding as we continue on our healing journey. Below are two upcoming workshops: Surviving the Trauma of Suicide …Continue Reading
Our 10th Annual SOSL Day!
On April 8th, many in the SOSL community came together for our 10th Annual SOSL Day! As we share our stories of loss and memories of joy, we were reminded that one step at a time, one day at a time, in community, healing happens! It warmed my heart to watch how the participants connected with one another, …Continue Reading
What’s happening in SOSL?
We are already making plans for upcoming events for 2017. They include our Beyond Surviving Workshop Series, designed for ongoing support for the long-term survivor, 10th Annual SOSL Day, the 2nd Annual Ride for Life, and our 11th Annual walk, now named Walk in Remembrance with Hope. Mark your calendars and plan to join us! …Continue Reading
New 8-Week Support Group
Beyond Surviving is an 8-week support group for survivors who lost their loved one to suicide more than six months ago. This group offers structured grief work, including specific topics of discussion each week and reading materials. This group is for survivors ready to move forward and live in their “new normal” after a loss. The …Continue Reading
Our 10th Annual San Diego SOSL Day – “Hope Springs: Community of Healing” – Saturday, April 8, 2017
Register now for SOSL Day. Join us for a day of community and healing! What is SOSL Day? SOSL Day is an event focused on hope and healing. We start the morning with an opening talk. We then move into a Question/Answer panel comprised of people who have lost loved ones to suicide. The event …Continue Reading
10th Annual Save A Life Walk, a Success
Thank you to all our walkers, generous donors, sponsors, and exhibitors! SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR TOP FUNDRAISING TEAMS! An 80’s Angel Team Majesty Team Invictus SOL-Encinitas Team SOSL Our 10th Annual Save A Life Walk took place on Sunday, November 13th, in beautiful Balboa Park! We walk in memory of a loved one, to raise …Continue Reading
Rubio’s Thank You!
Thank you to everyone who came out to Rubio’s to help raise funds for SOSL on Wednesday, November 2nd. We made a strong impact with nearly 100 supporters enjoying a great meal, earning money for our organization, and bringing awareness to the issue of suicide. We are grateful for each and every one of you …Continue Reading
Celebrating Holidays After Suicide
Cupcakes & Dread-Blocking By Jennifer Lane, www.JenniferLLane.com Celebrating after suicide is difficult as we are reminded of our devastating loss. We get caught up telling the story of their death, limiting the time we spend talking about and celebrating the life they lived. Anniversaries, holidays, and birthdays become difficult as we are reminded that our loved one …Continue Reading
SAVE A LIFE WALK! Sunday, November 13th
We invite you to join us for the 10th Annual Save A Life Walk Sunday, November 13, 2016 The Save A Life Community Walk is the signature event for San Diego’s suicide prevention and survivor support community. REGISTER NOW FOR THE WALK! 100% of funds raised stay in San Diego County This is a memorable …Continue Reading
Come join SOSL as we host a fundraiser at Rubio’s!
Come join SOSL as we host a fundraiser at Rubio’s! 20% of the total sales made with a print-out or download of the flyer will be donated to our cause! All profits will go towards SOSL Programs that support people who have lost a loved one to suicide. Rubio’s flyer (to print or download to …Continue Reading
Welcome to Joe Davis, SOSL’s newest board member
SOSL is pleased to welcome another new board member, Joe Davis, Chaplain for the San Diego County Medical Examiner. In his professional role which he has held for 16 years, he helps the staff of the Medical Examiner’s office deal with the daily stress of sudden, unexpected and traumatic deaths. He also assists in the …Continue Reading
SOSL ‘s 1st Annual Ride For Life/Comedy Showcase
Saturday, September 10th – Worldwide Suicide Prevention Day! This will be a great opportunity to bring suicide awareness to San Diego County! Don’t ride? No problem! If you can eat and laugh, come join us and all the riders for the after event at Harley-Davidson on Morena Blvd. From 2-4 PM we will feature a Comedy Showcase, with headliner Patrick …Continue Reading
Our 9th Annual SOSL Day – A Powerful Day of Hope and Healing
Thank you to everyone who attended SOSL Day on April 9, 2016! We want to extend a warm thank you to our event sponsors, donors, and all of our dedicated volunteers who made this event possible! Mike Kurtz, longstanding SOSL volunteer, former Executive Director and Board Member, served as emcee and panel moderator for the event. …Continue Reading
Welcome to Kim Bozart, SOSL’s newest board member
We are pleased to welcome SOSL’s newest board member, Kim Bozart. Kim is a licensed mental health professional, currently working as a supervisor with PERT, Psychological Emergency Response Team. In addition, she is an adjunct professor at Miramar College where she focuses on training law enforcement how to interact more effectively with those living with …Continue Reading
9th Annual San Diego SOSL Day
9th Annual San Diego SOSL Day “Hope Springs: Healing Happens”. When: Saturday, April 9, 2016 Location: Legacy Church Tierrasanta – 10881 Tierrasanta Blvd., San Diego, CA 92124 Time: 10:00 am – Check-in and Continental Breakfast 10:30 am Program begins 2:30 pm Program concludes What is SOSL Day? SOSL Day is an event focused on hope …Continue Reading
New 8-Week Support Group
Beyond Surviving is an 8-week support group for survivors who lost their loved one to suicide more than six months ago. This group offers structured grief work, specific topics of discussion and reading materials. This group is for survivors ready to move forward and live in their “new normal”. Tuesdays 7-8:30 PM March 15th through …Continue Reading
Welcome, Joyce!
It is with grateful hearts and excitement for our future that we welcome our new SOSL Executive Director, Joyce Bruggeman. Joyce stepped into the role of Executive Director of SOSL in October of 2015. Like many who dedicate their time and energy in this organization, she is a survivor of suicide loss. Experiencing the devastating …Continue Reading
9th Annual Save A Life Walk, a Success!
THANK YOU to all of our Save A Life Walk participants & donors. Each of you made Save A Life Walk 2015 a HUGE success!! The funds raised through this event ensure that Survivors of Suicide Loss (SOSL) and San Diego’s Chapter of Yellow Ribbon can continue to offer our local survivor support and suicide prevention …Continue Reading
SAVE A LIFE WALK! Sunday, November 8th
We invite you to join us for the 9th Annual Save A Life Walk Sunday, November 8, 2015 The Save A Life Community Walk is the signature event for San Diego’s suicide prevention and survivor support community. REGISTER NOW FOR THE WALK! 100% of funds raised stay in San Diego County This is a beautiful …Continue Reading
Attitude of Gratitude
With grateful hearts, we extend our sincere thanks to Jenni Morel for her creative, dedicated service to SOSL for the past 2 ½ years as Director of Development. While here at SOSL, Jenni singlehandedly created and edited the first SOSL book, Beyond Surviving. This book contains more than 35 personal stories from 25 people who …Continue Reading
Suicide Prevention Week, September 7th – 13th!
Talking about or learning about prevention can be difficult for many of us who have lost a loved one to suicide. For some, learning about the warning signs gives us a 20/20 vision of how our loved one was acting or living before they died. It can also bring up thoughts we struggle with, …Continue Reading
Recap of the Inaugural STRENGTH 5K
Thank you to all of our STRENGTH Journeyers, our donors, our volunteers, and our sponsors for making the inaugural STRENGTH for the journey 5K Run/Walk a Success! The run took place at Road Runner Sports, San Diego on Saturday, June 13th! This event was organized for SOSL as part of the Road Runner Sports CARE 5K …Continue Reading
A Letter from Jenni Morel, SOSL Director of Development
Dear Friend of SOSL, I am Jenni Morel, and I have served as SOSL’s Director of Development for the past two years. I found my way to SOSL a few years after I lost my big brother, Joey, to suicide. At the time, I was nearly broken, wounded, and silenced. After Joey died, I chose …Continue Reading
Beyond Surviving, an 8 week Support Group
NEW 8-WEEK SUPPORT GROUP Beyond Surviving, is an 8-week support group for survivors who lost their loved one to suicide more than six-months ago. This group offers structured grief work, including specific topics of discussion each week and reading materials. This group is for survivors ready to move forward and live in their “new normal” after loss. …Continue Reading
Register Today! STRENGTH for the journey 5K Run/Walk!
Register Today! STRENGTH for the journey 5K Run/Walk! Survivors of Suicide Loss INAUGURAL Loss and grief are never easy – though, from even the most difficult experiences we have an opportunity to create something positive. Each of us has our own grief journey – a journey of many things: grief, heartbreak, healing, forgiveness, acceptance… JOIN …Continue Reading
Our 8th Annual SOSL Day, A Powerful Day of Togetherness
Our 8th Annual SOSL Day, A Powerful Day of Togetherness Thank you to everyone who attended SOSL Day on April 11, 2015! We want to extend a warm thank you to our event sponsors, donors, and all of our dedicated volunteers who made this event possible! The day started with an address from a longstanding …Continue Reading
SOSL Day
8TH ANNUAL SAN DIEGO SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE LOSS DAY “Hope Springs: You Are Not Alone“ INCLUDING KEYNOTE SPEAKER DIANA WAUGH AND PANEL SATURDAY, APRIL 11TH 10: A.M. to 2:30 P.M. VISTA GRANDE COMMUNITY CHURCH 10881 TIERRASANTA BLVD., SAN DIEGO 92124 (ON TIERRASANTA BLVD. OFF I-15) Registration and continental breakfast at 10 a.m. Keynote Address by …Continue Reading
SOSL Board member & Executive Director Interviewed on KPBS
Camille Currier, SOSL Board of Directors & Bonnie Bear, SOSL Executive Director talked candidly about suicide loss and prevention on KPBS on March 9th. Read the story and listen to the audio here: http://www.kpbs.org/news/2015/mar/09/suicide-prevention-gets-more-attention/
A Letter from Camille Currier, SOSL Board of Directors
Dear Friend of SOSL, I am Camille Currier and have had the privilege to serve on the SOSL Board of Directors since March of 2005. On Thanksgiving Day, 2004, I lost my 22-year-old son to suicide. I lost my brother to suicide in 1977. When my son died, as it is for so many of …Continue Reading
8th Annual Save A Life Walk, A Success!
To all of our Save A Life Walk participants & donors – THANK YOU for making the 8th Annual Save A Life Walk a HUGE success!! Keep an eye on the Walk’s website at www.SaveALifeWalk.org, and watch the total grow as we enter the donations that were given at the event! Please note, we accept donations for this …Continue Reading
SOSL Wins the 2014 Community Choice Award!
Recipient of the 2014 Community Choice Award from Community Health Improvement Partners & The Innovative Partnership Award from Recovery International Survivors of Suicide Loss is honored to accept the 2014 Community Choice Award, presented by Community Health Improvement Partners at their annual Crew Rendezvous gala on October 23, 2014. There were many wonderful organizations nominated …Continue Reading
SOSL’s Executive Director Celebrating 10 Years!
This month marks a full decade that Bonnie Bear has served Survivors of Suicide Loss as our Executive Director. Many of you know Bonnie personally, or have seen her deliver a heartfelt speech on coping with suicide loss or suicide prevention – but what you may not know, is that Bonnie has been leading this …Continue Reading
Suicide Prevention Week, September 8th – 14th!!
September 8th – 14th is Suicide Prevention Week! Talking about or learning about prevention can be difficult for many of us who have lost a loved one to suicide. For some, learning about the warning signs gives us a 20/20 vision of how our loved one was acting or living before they died. It can …Continue Reading
Selfie for a Cause!
Selfie for a Cause! Snap a Selfie along with a message on suicide awareness, prevention, survivor support, or any other message you want to share! Text or Email your Selfie to Jenni@SOSLsd.org. Please include your name & email address! **Note: Selfies will be posted on SOSL’s Facebook page & Website **BEST “Selfie for a …Continue Reading
Remembering Robin Williams
Dear SOSL Survivor Support Community, As I was watching the hours of news coverage about the loss of Robin Williams to suicide, I found myself reliving the struggles my dear husband had with severe depression and the difficult aftermath of his loss to suicide. I became increasingly sad and this prompted me to reach out …Continue Reading
Support Groups for Teens & for Parents, Update
We are an ongoing teen support group. Through conversation and memorial activities, we help teens learn coping skills after the loss of a family member or friend to suicide.
Beyond Surviving NOW AVAILABLE IN PAPERBACK!
Beyond Surviving NOW AVAILABLE IN PAPERBACK! SOSL is proud to announce that our book, Beyond Surviving: A Compilation of Stories from Survivors of Suicide Loss, is now available in paperback! The book is also available in PDF format, for Kindle, and for Nook! Purchase Beyond Surviving in Paperback or PDF here! Get Beyond Surviving …Continue Reading
Recipient of the Outstanding Service Award!
Survivors of Suicide Loss is honored to accept the 2014 Outstanding Service Award from the San Diego County Suicide Prevention Council. “For Your 33 Years of Dedication to Suicide Prevention.” SOSL was one of the original partners in the San Diego County Suicide Prevention Council (SPC), and we are proud to continue to serve as …Continue Reading
Our 7th Annual SOSL Day, A Powerful Day for Healing
Thank you to everyone who attended SOSL Day on April 26, 2014! This year was the largest SOSL Day to date, with 111 people joining us. The day started with an address from SOSL Board Chair, Jana Weber. She shared with us her story of losing her husband to suicide three years ago. We then held …Continue Reading
Rubio’s Fundraiser!
Come join SOSL as we host a fundraiser at Rubio’s! 20% of the total sales made with a print-out of the flyer will be donated to our cause! All profits will go towards SOSL Programs that support people who have lost a loved one to suicide. Rubio’s flyer (to print) **I want to support …Continue Reading
May 17, 2014: Community Alliance of Healthy Minds Forum!
You do not want to miss the 8th Annual CAHM Forum! Two of our most dedicated SOSL facilitators, Rex and Connie Kennemer, founded CAHM in memory of their son, Todd, in an effort to raise awareness of and support for mental health issues and suicide prevention. 8th Annual CAHM Forum: Navigating Paths to Healthy Minds …Continue Reading
SOSL Welcomes a New Board Chair!
We are proud to announce Jana Weber as the new SOSL Board Chair! Paul Gagliardi served in this position for ten years, and while we are sad to see him go, we are pleased that Jana (pictured right) is able to step into the position. Paul helped SOSL throughout the years in innumerable ways. He facilitated a …Continue Reading
SOSL Day Registration Now Open!
7TH ANNUAL SAN DIEGO SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE LOSS DAY “Hope Springs: The New Normal“ INCLUDING KEYNOTE SPEAKER CAROL LeBEAU SATURDAY, APRIL 26TH 10: A.M. to 2:30 P.M. Registration is closed
A Letter from SOSL
Dear Supporter of SOSL, This has been a year of great expansion for SOSL. As we grow, we are grateful to be here to support you, but we are pained as more survivors join our community. The holiday season can be very difficult for many survivors. If you are struggling, we welcome you to reach …Continue Reading
Save A Life Walk 2013, A Success!
Save A Life Walk 2013, A Success! Our 7th Annual Save A Life Walk took place on Sunday November 10th. Thanks to the participation of over 1,500 people, the fundraising efforts of individuals and teams, and many words of wisdom, comfort and support from speakers Carol LeBeau, Nick Macchione, and Chaplain Joe Davis, the event …Continue Reading
Save A Life Walk
Join us in Balboa Park at Sixth and Laurel on Sunday, November 10, 2013 for this year’s Save A Life Walk. Carol LeBeau is 2013 Honorary Chair and Keynote Speaker.
Suicide Prevention Week, September 8th – 14th
Suicide Prevention Week, September 8th – 14th September 8th – 14th is Suicide Prevention Week! Many of our supporters know about our Support Groups, our annual Save-A-Life Walk, and our Annual SOSL Day, but many of you do not know that SOSL is also very active in suicide prevention as well. As survivors, many of …Continue Reading
Marie Mays, You Will Be Missed
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Marie Mays, one of SOSL’s founders and avid supporters for over thirty years. Marie passed away on July 28, 2013. She was blessed with a large family, and is survived by many family members, including her children, grand children, great-grandchildren, and great-great …Continue Reading
A Ray of Hope in San Diego County
SOSL Highlighted in the Suicide Prevention Council Report to the Community 2015 The San Diego Suicide Prevention Council is a community-wide collaborative focused of realizing a vision of zero suicides in San Diego County. The SPC recently presented the 2015 Report to the Community. The goal of the report is to share the most recent …Continue Reading
MEG’S STORY: “The more I talk about it, the easier it gets.”
“I walked through those doors and I met two people who had had a similar experience, and every feeling that I expressed was validated.” – Meg Meg lost her husband to suicide. As part of her healing, she regularly attends an SOSL Support Group. Learn more about SOSL Support Groups: https://www.soslsd.org/support/ Find a …Continue Reading
SOSL – Community Healing Center
Donay lost her husband Jacob to suicide. Rosza and Aaron also lost their son Aaron to suicide. After the loss of their loved ones, they found support and healing within the community of SOSL.
SOSL’s 12th Annual Walk: Walk in Remembrance With Hope
SOSL’s 12th Annual Walk: Sunday, November 11th Register Here! Survivors of Suicide Loss (SOSL) is thrilled to partner with Directing Change again this year!* The Walk in Remembrance with Hope is still the signature event for suicide prevention and survivor support community within San Diego. We invite you to join us for the Walk in Remembrance with Hope on Sunday, …Continue Reading
The Power of the Story
Recently, Joyce Bruggeman, Executive Director of SOSL, and Floyd Strayer, veteran and volunteer with SOSL were asked to participate in a podcast series to start the conversation about the pressing problem of suicide for our veterans. This series talks about suicide from a variety of voices and experiences. The SOSL podcast is titled “Survivors of …Continue Reading
Contribute to our quilt
We invite you to include a message and/or photo of your loved one who has died by suicide. Click for memorial quilt donation form .
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Becky’s Story
The summer of 2011 will always be defined as the best and worst of my life. Two months after saying “I do” to my husband in a quiet lakeside ceremony, my honeymoon-fueled joy would be turned to Read More »