My son, Mark Van Gorder, died on January 21, 2005. He was 24 years young. His untimely death was by his own hand. Mark struggled with lonliness, meloncholy, depression, schizophrenia and many unseen demons for more than half his life. He was my brave little soldier. He fought a war that most people don't even know exists. He fought valliantly! I hate that Mark had to fight this battle and Ihate even more that he is not here on earth with us any longer. But, I do believe that Mark is at peace and there are no longer unseen demons or enemies at his door because he basks in the warm, peaceful light of heaven.
 
After Mark's death, I found the Samaritans and a support group called safe place. They have become a beacon of hope in a dark, dark time. The support group is attended by people like me who have lost someone they love to suicide. They have become my second family. Since my first time attending safe place in February 2005, only weeks after Mark's death, the size of the group has doubled. Suicide is NOT rare!! It is a very real public health problem that exists in our society today. In 2005 there were 3x more deaths by suicide than by murder in the city of Boston. Suicide touches EVERYONE!!!

Mental illness does not have to be a death sentence! Please help me in my efforts to save the lives of other 'Marks' who struggle daily just to survive. Your donation will go far to help raise public awareness about suicide, to support efforts to prevent suicide and to support programs that help survivors of suicide cope and deal with the agony of this horrible loss. Help me to keep Mark's memory alive by helping those who suffer as he did! God Bless You!

Thank you for visiting my Personal Fundraising Page and Thank you in advance for any donation you can make. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to make a contribution to our fundraising efforts. Many thanks for your support-- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!

To learn more about Mark please visit his Memorial Website and light a candle in his memory. www.mark-van-gorder.memory-of.com