Walk raises funds, awareness for suicide prevention

Lisa and Frank Bublitz of Lisle arrived at Saturday's Suicide Prevention Services Yellow Ribbon for Life event hours early. They began the 8-mile fundraiser walk at about 5:30 a.m. at St. Charles' Pottawatomie Park.

"It was very dark but very peaceful," Lisa Bublitz said. "We walked with the others last year, but this time Frank and I wanted to be alone. It was our quiet time. We did a lot of talking and remembering."

She paused and looked at Frank's sister Ellen Comstock of St. Charles, who also completed the walk.

"It was dark the morning that Caitlyn died," Bublitz said softly.

The family was there to remember Comstock's daughter Caitlyn Bailey, who ended her life in September 2005. She was 17 and a student at St. Charles East High School.

Comstock, her brother and her sister-in-law have found help in coping with Caitlyn's death through counseling and support from Suicide Prevention Services in Batavia.

Comstock heard about the agency the day her daughter died, but first thought no amount of professional help could ease her pain.

"But I got counseling and it helped me get through it," Comstock said.

Kara Brown of Aurora was there to remember her younger sister Erin, who took her life in 1999 at age 17.

Brown teaches at St. Charles North High School where Suicide Prevention Services presents assemblies to students.

"I was nervous because I didn't know how I would react to the assembly and I knew I had to teach when it ended," Brown recalled. "But I shared my story with my students and we talked a lot. It shows you that you are not alone."

Brown and Comstock were among dozens on hand Saturday to raise funds and awareness for Suicide Prevention Services. Some participants made the 8-mile walk; others relaxed at the park's pavilion on the Fox River, listened to the live music and just enjoyed the company of those who also understand the pain of losing a loved one to suicide.

It was the second yellow ribbon event for Suicide Prevention Services, which raised about $13,000 last year.

Mari Wittum, director of clinical services, said the agency also runs a hotline and offers free counseling to those with suicidal thoughts. The agency has recently collaborated with veterans hospitals to reach soldiers and veterans who may be at high risk for suicide.

"We want to educate others on what depression looks like," Wittum said. "We want to get the word out on how to prevent suicide."

For information, visit spsfv.org or call (630) 482-9699.