Mark your calendars, folks! March 20, 2008 has officially been named “Suzy Gonzales Day.” On this day, we would like anyone in support of H.R. 940, aka Suzy’s Law, to contact their Congressman to voice support of the bill. We’re hoping to draw as much attention to the bill as we can, so please do you part to help our efforts! Thank you for your help and support!!
Suzy’s Law is ending 2007 with big news. Thaddeus McCotter, representative of Michigan’s 11th district has agreed to cosponsor H.R. 940. He joins Jeffrey Fortenberry (R) of Nebraska, Jim Matheson (D) of Utah, and Sue Myrick (R) of North Carolina. Wally Herger (R) of California is the sponsor for the bill.
Please check back after the first of the year for more updates on the bill. Thanks for your continued support, and best wishes for the new year.
Mike and Mary Gonzales were among the hundreds of individuals present at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Nation Survivor’s Day Conference held last Saturday held at UCLA. This conference was one of 130 of it’s kind held nationwide. The attendees were composed of survivors, producers, directors, physicians, writers, psychiatrists, lawyers, psychologists, teachers and professors.
The morning segment began bright and early with very well received talks given by professors specializing in psychiatry, who focused on bipolar disorders and depression, and how these conditions relate to suicide. During the lunch break of the conference, Mike and Mary gave a brief speech about their daughter Suzanne, which included information about H.R 940 and what they are doing to get this bill passed into law. The two were recognized for their hard work and dedication put forth on behalf of their daughter, and received the AFSP “Public Service Information Award” in recognition of their leadership in support of “National Legislation for Suicide Prevention” for their local AFSP chapter. Visible shock and disbelief were seen on the faces of those listening to Suzy’s story. On a positive note, it also triggered many people to volunteer their help in spreading the word about H.R. 940, which is just what we need!
The emotional day continued with afternoon breakout sessions for professionals, and then survivors were broken into groups based on their loss. The categories included: parent, child, sibling and friend. This aspect of the day was the most emotionally draining for The Gonzales’, as individuals in each group shared how their loved one had passed away. Sadly, 5 out of the 15 parents in Mike and Mary’s group indicated their child’s suicide was linked to internet activity.
The day concluded with a ceremony for all the survivors, where each person was given the opportunity to mention the name of the person they were there to reflect on and remember. During this time, poems were read, songs were played, and hundreds of tissues circulated the crowd. This conference was a huge success on many levels, and for that we are thankful.
For those of you who want to help, please spread the word about Suzy’s story and H.R. 940. You can do this by using the “contact your Representative” and “tell a friend” links on this page. Don’t forget to check back with us often for updates and news!
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will be holding its Annual National Survivors of Suicide Day conference on Saturday, November 17, 2007. The event will take place in over 130 cities worldwide, giving survivors a chance to connect across the globe.
You may also search and register for a conference in your area by visiting www.afsp.org. If you are unable to attend a conference, join us live from 1:00-2:30 pm Eastern Time for a live broadcast of the event on the web at www.afsp.org, followed by a live chat.
Mike and Mary Gonzales will be attending the AFSP conference at UCLA, where they will be awarded the National Service Award for their hard work and dedication put forth on behalf of their daughter Suzanne, and H.R. 940.
Please check back for a full recap of Saturday’s events, and as always, thanks for your support.
H.R. 940 will make it a crime to use the Internet to help someone commit suicide. We think this is a good bill, and we want it to become law. Click here to learn more.
Call or write your Representative to urge him or her to co-sponsor H.R. 940. Click here to find out how.