TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — The 12th annual “Surviving the Color” run/walk is set to bring color, community and hope to Terre Haute on May 17.
“Everybody is invited,” Christina Crist, Executive Director for Team of Mercy, said. “Get your dogs, get your grandparents, get your parents, get your kids, get your youth group, your athletic teams, get whoever, your friends. Grab someone that you know is struggling, most importantly.”
The event is organized by the Team of Mercy to raise awareness for suicide prevention while honoring lives lost.
The day begins at 9:00 a.m. at Brown and Ohio Streets in Terre Haute with an opening ceremony. The ceremony includes guest speakers and a butterfly release.
“Life is taken away when someone takes their life,” Crist said. “So, we incorporated the butterfly release to show giving life back into our community.”
The 5K run winds through Deming Park, where participants will be covered in color. After the run, food, music, and mental health resources will be available.
“I didn’t know or understand how much mental health and suicide affected our area until it happened to me,” Crist said. “So, I want to reach those individuals who are in my shoes.”
Crist lost her 15-year-old daughter Hannah to suicide.
“My why is all of the Hannahs out there, who struggle a silent battle of stigma, or whatever it may be, that is silent, and they think that they’re alone,” Christ said.
Registration is underway now. In order to receive a t-shirt, registration must be completed by Friday, May 9. Participants can sign up until the day of the race, but will not receive a t-shirt after that date. To sign up for the race, click here. For more information on Team of Mercy, click here.
