Sioux Falls Step Forward to Prevent Suicide

Step Forward with Me — June 7, 2025

When Blake died, I was numb. Stunned. Everything went blank — everything. The loss of my son ripped my life right out from under me.

And then, in the middle of all that darkness, I received a small booklet from the Helpline Center. It sounds simple, but it was the first thing that gave me even a sliver of hope. A tiny light that said, maybe I could survive this.

That’s my why.

I’m walking in the Step Forward to Prevent Suicide walk on June 7 to raise money for the Helpline Center — because their suicide prevention and grief support services were the first stepping stones on my path to a healthy grieving path. Their programs are helping people. And they’re walking alongside those of us who are left behind.

We are working hard on prevention. Dear God, help us.

But suicide still happens every single day. And what’s left behind are families, friends, coworkers — people whose lives are forever changed.

This walk matters. These programs matter. The people left here on earth — we matter.

If you’re able to donate, please do. If you can walk with us, come. If you can share this and help spread the word, thank you.

Let’s walk for the ones we’ve lost. And for the ones still fighting.

Love Abbey

https://www.heritagesfsd.com/obituary/blake-l-bruner