Fundraiser aims to help prevent teenage suicide
BY LAYLI WHYTE
Correspondent

LITTLE SILVER - - After losing her sister to suicide three years ago, Elena Acuna is doing whatever she can to help make people aware of this growing cause of death among teenagers.

Acuna, 16, is a junior at Red Bank Regional High School, Little Silver, and has organized a fundraiser for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), to be held June 22 from 7-11 p.m. at The Children's Cultural Center, Monmouth Street, Red Bank.

"It's in memory of my sister, Leah Acuna," Elena said. "It's something that I've really wanted to do. Suicide is something that is just not talked about in our age group. I think this might help to break the silence."

On June 9, Elena participated in an Overnight Walk, sponsored and organized by AFSP, which requires that participants raise at least $1,000.

Elena started walking to raise money for AFSP after her sister's suicide in the spring.

"People have been really supportive," she said, adding that several members of the high school staff made donations for her walk. "I know that people haven't forgotten my sister."

Elena said her sister suffered from depression and said she wants to do whatever she can to help people living with the same condition from taking their own lives.

According to the AFSP Internet Web site, more than 4,000 people between the ages of 15 and 24 commit suicide each year.

"Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death for adults between the ages of 18 and 65," according to the Web site. "Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15- to 24-year-olds."

Also, according to the Web site, the rate of suicide among people ages 10 to 14 has doubled over the past two decades, and worldwide, at least 100,000 adolescents die by suicide each year.

Despite these grim statistics, the AFSP Web site gives suggestions to people who fear that someone they know may be at risk for a suicide attempt, including to take the risk of suicide seriously. Seventy-five percent of all suicides give some warning of their intentions to a friend or family member.

Also, be willing to listen. If a friend or loved one is depressed, do not be afraid to ask whether he or she is considering suicide, or even if they have a particular plan or method in mind.

The Web site advises that people should not attempt to argue anyone out of suicide. Rather, let the person know you care and understand, that he or she is not alone, that suicidal feelings are temporary, that depression can be treated and that problems can be solved.

Tickets for the fundraiser are $10 per person. The event will include raffles and performances by local bands including Shakedown and Infinite Detour.

To order tickets, call The Children's Cultural Center at (732) 842-7177.