By Anna Mangialomini, contributing writer
Daemen University held its fourth annual Walk for Jenny event on Oct. 16, in remembrance of Jennifer “Jenny” McAlmont, a Daemen student who took her own life in 2014.
Students and faculty members gathered in the Social Room of the Yurtchuk Student Center, where several clubs and organizations had tables offering information and resources about mental health and suicide prevention.
The event officially opened with a speech from Jenny’s mother, Lois Foster.
Foster was introduced by Kerry Spicer, Daemen’s vice president for student affairs, who thanked those involved in setting up the event, including Daemen’s Student Government (SGA), the CHIP center, and Wildcat Wellness.
She spoke about Jenny’s life and her impact on Daemen as an involved student leader and uplifting member of the community.
“Jenny had a laugh that you could hear all the way down to the next county,” said Foster.
She reminded students that, like Jenny, even those who appear to be happy can be suffering behind their smiles.
Foster told students that “it’s okay to ask for help,” encouraging them to find someone they trust and talk about what is hurting them. “Get together, start talking, communicating,” Foster said.
Foster, who is also a national speaker for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, has shared Jenny’s story at Daemen for three years, encouraging everyone to reach out and seek help when they are struggling instead of suffering in silence.
“There will be a better tomorrow for each and every one of you,” Foster said to the room of almost 250 people. “My broken heart still beats, but I’m here to try to save at least one of you.”
After the speech, Assistant Director of the CHIP Center, Rachel Meyerowitz, distributed pinwheels to students who have been impacted by or lost someone to suicide before attendees walked half a mile to the reflection garden, located between campus apartments 76 and 101.
Students and faculty clustered together around a memorial dedicated to Jenny as a brief moment of silence was held in memory of those lost to suicide. The pinwheels were then planted throughout the reflection garden, ending the event.
“Here at Daemen, there’s always someone to call, and there’s always somewhere to go,” Spicer said.
On campus, the CHIP center offers free and confidential counseling services to students, and campus safety is available 24/7 for anyone experiencing an emergency.
Off campus, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national hotline always accessible to anyone in need of support, via call or text. Buffalo also has a local hotline, provided by Crisis Services, which is available 24/7 at 716-834-3131.
“Everyone is on their own journey of navigating life’s ups and downs, and there should be no shame in asking for help,” said Meyerowitz in a personal interview. “By asking for help, you can open the door to finding the right care for you.”