Scotts Valley walk honors loved ones and raises mental health awareness
SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif. —
Family, friends, and community members gathered in Scotts Valley for a mental health awareness and suicide prevention walk, honoring loved ones lost and spreading a message of hope and support.
Farah Galvez, who lost her 19-year-old son to suicide, has turned her pain into action by leading a local nonprofit focused on mental health and suicide prevention.
“I’m here to honor one of my friends who recently, unfortunately, passed away this July, and I’m here to, you know, spread out a message for everyone to hear, you know. We are all human; we all matter. It’s always important for everyone to have a little talk, a little side conversation, and a little question,” Santi Cruz, a participant, said.
Colored wristbands, a new tradition at the event, represented loved ones lost—children, siblings, parents, and partners—serving as a way for participants to honor and remember them.
“Well, four years ago I lost my older son, Trevor Tyson, mental health issues, suicide, and this is my love letter to him that, you know, he was all about community. He was a wonderful person, and he was like the best friend you could ever ask for. And so, if it could happen to me and we can lose a loved one like that, then I just feel like, you know, we need to reach out and let everybody know you’re not alone, that there’s resources for you, and that’s why we’re doing this,” Galvez said.
After the opening ceremonies, attendees participated in a leisurely walk through Scotts Valley.
The pace was unhurried, as the focus was on raising awareness rather than speed. Participants emphasized that mental health is a daily struggle for many and wanted to ensure that the message was clear: no one has to struggle alone.