SURING, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The Suicide Prevention Ride Sunday as dozens of motorcyclists ride for the cause.
“Twenty-two years ago, I tried to commit suicide,” said Jeanne Parrett, founder of the Suicide Prevention Ride.
She tells FOX 11 it took years of treatment and therapy before she could advocate for suicide prevention.
“If it wasn’t for my friends and my family I would not be here talking to you today.”
In its ninth year, and the Suicide Prevention Ride continues to grow.
“I’ve already stated to every single one of these people– night, day, anytime. I don’t care. I got my phone, I’m there. I’m with you. And I’m not going to lose you.”
Brad Persson has been a part of the ride for seven of the nine years.
The entire trip is about 80 miles and for Persson it’s worth the miles, and it’s a day well spent if he can bring awareness to just one person.
“I’ve been there, friends have been there, and I’ve lost friends through it. And it feels good to ride with all my brothers and sisters.”
This year, the motorcyclists rode from Suamico to Suring and back for a celebration and fundraising.
“If you see the yellow flags on the group of bikes- that’s them,” said Tana Koss, division director at Family Services in Brown County.
The money raised at each year’s event is donated to Family Services.
“I appreciate that this group gets the word out that if you’re suffering and if you need help make the call.” said Koss.
“If it’s not to us to a friend, and say I need help.”
In Wisconsin, the suicide rate is four times the homicide rate, according to the state department of health services.
In 2016, Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin reports 47 people died by suicide in Brown County alone.
