50 for 50 Day 29: Kristin Brooks Hope Center

Thanks for stopping by my 50th Birthday Celebration, Day 29. Almost 60 percent complete and going strong.

Again, here’s my story and I’m sticking with it: because I feel so blessed and have pretty much everything I could ever need, I am asking people to get involved with charities, if they are so inspired, in lieu of any fabulous birthday presents you were planning on sending me (or not).

I am featuring a different charity every day for 50 days leading up to my 50th birthday to give you plenty of chances to get involved. I started on May 18. I wanted to give a voice to different good works around the globe. If you ARE inspired to take action, please leave me a comment and let me know that you did. This is all I want for my birthday – to spread some love and kindness. Thank you, my dear friends.

Today’s organization works to prevent suicide. Kristin Brooks Hope Center and its companion phone line 1-800-SUICIDE are always available for those who need help.

I went back and forth about 1000 times about whether to post this photo here. But dang it, suicide happens to real people and this was one of them. And I miss him a lot. On my 50th birthday, he would have turned 48. Vaya con Dios, Curt.

Suicide stinks. And I know it has touched almost everyone. The ragged, gaping wounds it leaves in the lives of those who are left behind…ugh. I have a hard time even writing about it. So.

1-800-SUICIDE. Remember it in case you ever need it and pass it along.

From their website:
While the idea of a suicide hotline is not a new one, the challenge of creating a national network and connecting our country’s crisis centers under a single, easy-to-remember, toll-free telephone was a daunting task. Heretofore, neither government agencies nor non-profit organizations had ever attempted such a project.

People in crisis generally don’t have the energy or ability to take on a long search for help. When those looking for support dial 1.800.SUICIDE they are seamlessly connected to an available certified crisis center nearest to their calling location. While it’s seemingly a simple concept, the Network is elegant and effective when put into action. Behind the scenes there are significant computer and telephony infrastructures working in concert to provide help within 20 to 30 seconds of a call being placed.

Donation page, with unfortunate auto-play video action. They are also looking for volunteers in a variety of capacities.

Previously featured organizations:
Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund
Light Up the World Foundation
Planned Parenthood
Doctors Without Borders
Heifer International
Team Rubicon
Kiva
The Carter Center
Bikes Not Bombs
Friends of Maddie
ProPublica
Surfrider Foundation
Livestrong
United Through Reading
Operation Shower
The Liz Logelin Foundation
KidSave
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Kids Vs Global Warming
Help a Mother Out
Direct Relief International
WriteGirl
Accelerated Cure for Multiple Sclerosis
Women for Women
Epic Change
Amnesty International