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 we walk to save lives. Every step we take is a step toward hope.
This year it was a battle to the very end between Team Invictus and Grief Mates – as they fought hard to the end. The lead changed numerous times over the last few days, with Team Invictus finally securing first place by raising $5,607 and Grief Mates a close second with $5,435. Team Invictus also won the honor of leading this year’s walk by having the largest number of team members!
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR TOP FUNDRAISING TEAMS! 
Team Invictus
Grief Mates
Team David Fernane
Team SOL Encinitas
PERT and CRF
The most important part of this event is the coming together, the camaraderie, the community awareness & stigma reduction.
THANK YOU to all of our Walk in Remembrance with Hope participants & donors. Because of you SOSL and Directing Change is able to do the work we do – to support survivors and save lives here in San Diego.
Over 800 people came together to Walk alongside each other to honor loved ones, help those left behind, and to support those struggling with mental health issues and thoughts of suicide. We stood together, strong and united, to do our part to break the stigma of mental illness and suicide!
Stan Collins, our emcee for the event, found the perfect heartfelt words to set the tone for the morning. Adrienne Caguioa sang a beautiful rendition of the national anthem, followed by
the invocation by Chaplain Joe Davis. Kathy Shott shared her story of struggle and hope – ending the promise to be there for others touched by suicide. The tears flowed freely as survivors participated in the dramatic release of doves, done in memory of our loved ones. After the doves soared into the blue sky, the Walk, the reason for our gathering, began.
The morning also included laughter and joy as we enjoyed moving to the live music of Ramshackle. As our time together wound down, the winners of over $3,000 in raffle prizes were announced!
Events like these can be very difficult for many. We hope that the Walk was a day of healing and hope, even in the midst of strong emotions. Know that each step you took carried so much meaning, purpose, and hope.
This event is a success because of its participants, so THANK YOU for being a part of it. We hope you will join us for next year for our 13th Annual Walk in Remembrance with Hope.
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