Remembering Ryleigh Society for Youth is a newly formed society in Vanderhoof to support youth and families dealing with physical and mental health challenges.
The society is in memory of Ryleigh Johns-Crampain who at 15 decided to end her own life because of the social, emotional, and physical challenges she endured for five years due to extreme pain and suffering from non-treatable Crohn’s disease.
Ryleigh was a kindhearted, caring, witty, and courageous daughter and friend. She believed in social justice for all. She wanted all youth in our community to be accepted for their differences and challenges. So, her family and friends in the community are creating this society for youth and their family is to educate, support, and eventually provide services to help our young people thrive and live healthful lives.
September 10, 2016 is World Suicide Prevention Day. The Remembering Ryleigh Society members will be at the COOP Grocery Store entrance to provide information and talk with community member to increase awareness and to help prevent suicide.
We encourage community members to come and get a ribbon, information to share with others, and a candle to place in their window remembering those, like Ryleigh, who chose to end their life by suicide.
In Canada, suicide accounts for 24 percent of all deaths among 15-24 year olds and 16 percent among 16-44 year olds. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Canadians between the ages of 10 and 24, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association. Find research relating to connecting, communicating and caring and, suicide prevention and mental health at https://www.iasp.info/resources/World_Suicide_Prevention_Day/2016/
We encourage community members to come and get a ribbon, information to share with others, and a candle to place in their window remembering those, like Ryleigh, who chose to end their life by suicide.