Joanne Lewchuk (godmother), left, and Sylvia Duhaime (grandmother), right, are shown holding a photo of Cody Duhaime who lost his life to suicide in 2015. (file photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

Boost for mental health

Walk to remember Cody Duhaime aims to support mental health

Aug 13, 2019 | 2:09 PM

It was a dark day for Cody Duhaime in 2015 when the 19-year-old youth lost his life to suicide while attending college in the U.S.

To keep his memory alive and support other youth struggling with depression and mental health issues his family is organizing the Cody Duhaime Memorial Walk in Meota on Sept. 8.

This year marks the third annual event.

Duhaime’s older sister Erin Duhaime said she hopes the walk helps raise awareness about the issue.

“There is so much stigma around suicide and mental health,” she said.

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Erin added she had a difficult time finding anyone who wanted to talk about the issue with her after Cody died. But she said her grandparents did make the effort to speak about the matter, and were a source of support.

“We want to raise awareness that those conversations can be had,” she said. “Being heard, and being validated is part of the struggle.”

Cody Duhaime’s grandmother Sylvia Duhaime who resides in Meota hopes the walk helps other youth challenged with mental health issues as well.

The first $10,000 raised from the walk this year will be directed to benefit mental health programs at North Battleford Comprehensive High School and John Paul II Collegiate. Additional funds raised will help to create two scholarships for youth who have been impacted by suicide.

Registration for the five-kilometre walk starts at 11 a.m. at the Do Drop Inn. Organizers plan to give prizes for those with the most pledges. A barbecue will follow the event. A silent auction is also included. Pledge sheets are available at the R.M. of Meota and Village of Meota offices and at a number of local businesses.

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angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow