The quiet streets of Scotts Valley became a place of reflection and solidarity this past weekend as family, friends, and neighbors gathered for a mental health awareness and suicide prevention walk. The event served as both a solemn tribute to those lost to suicide and a vibrant call for community support. Attendees moved together in an unhurried pace, emphasizing that the day was less about physical exercise and more about sending a powerful message of hope to anyone currently struggling in silence.
Among the organizers was Farah Galvez, who transformed the heartbreak of losing her nineteen year old son, Trevor Tyson, into a mission to help others. For Galvez, the event acted as a living love letter to her son, whom she described as a wonderful person and the kind of friend everyone wished they had. She shared with the crowd that because such a tragedy could happen to any family, it is vital to reach out and remind people that they are not alone and that life saving resources are available.
A poignant new addition to the walk involved colored wristbands worn by participants. Each color represented a specific relationship to someone lost, whether it be a child, sibling, parent, or partner. This visual representation allowed strangers to recognize their shared grief and find common ground without needing words. Participant Santi Cruz noted that being there was about honoring a friend lost in July and reminding every attendee that they matter simply because they are human.
As the group wound through the valley after the opening ceremonies, the atmosphere remained supportive and open. Those walking stressed that mental health challenges are often a daily battle for many residents regardless of their outward appearance. By bringing these conversations into the public eye through simple acts like side conversations and checking in on one another, organizers hoped to break the stigma surrounding suicide and ensure no one feels forced to face their darkest moments alone.
