TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — For eight years, Team of Mercy has hosted an event that supports families who have lost a loved one due to suicide, the Surviving the Color Run.
Though COVID-19 delayed last year’s race from a traditional annual date, officials say the pandemic also brought more light to the importance of mental health.
At Deming Park, volunteers for Team of Mercy’s surviving the color run set up signs to honor loved ones. Each sign is the picture and name of someone who lost their life due to suicide.
“People come and they adore these signs because it’s their loved. It’s their opportunity to see their loved one again, they can’t see them in the flesh,” Executive Director with Team of Mercy, Christina Crist said.
Crist shares the loss of a loved one due to suicide.
According to Team of Mercy, nearly 20 lives have been lost to suicide this year in Vigo County.
“Nobody commits suicide that’s in the right state of mind. What are we really dealing with here? Mental health issues. This is also an event that brings people together to break the stigma,” Crist said.
This year’s event has seen an enrollment of around 700 participants and $50,000 raised.
For Sam Yagow, board member for Team of Mercy, he says this year’s race comes with extra meaning.
“For me, it was an opportunity to do something bigger than myself. Especially the color run after the pandemic and COVID-19. Now, more then ever we need to bring awareness to the cause,” Yagow said.
Surviving the Color will include a 5k, a survivor’s story who’s dealt with suicide personally, and signs along Deming Park.
For more information about this event and how you can get involved, click here.
