Avery was smart. She was an honor student with a 4.4 GPA and the features editor for the school paper. Avery was active and athletic. She played on two varsity teams—soccer and field hockey—and held down an after-school job at a local restaurant.
Mostly, though, Avery was a friend. She was kind to all and a beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, and more.

She also suffered from depression.

“This proves how much a smile can really hide,” a friend Tweeted the day after Avery’s death.

According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death for all ages—and the 2nd leading cause of death for those age 10-24, resulting in approximately 4,600 young lives lost each year in the United States alone.

“Avery was the type of girl that would come up and say hi to you no matter how long its been since you’ve last seen each other.”

The bad news is that suicide can’t be treated. The ensuing grief and collateral damage to family and friends is incomprehensible and irreversible. And teenagers are especially vulnerable, as the emotions they experience are highly charged and magnified.

“It was the most incredible and heartbreaking experience to see basically a whole high school simultaneously bawling for one girl.”

The good news is that suicide awareness and prevention saves lives. Listen and respond, but never judge or shame. Keep the rapport positive and solution-oriented. A mind-set alone can save lives. Reach out to professional resources—including family doctors, clergy, educators, mental health professionals, and suicide awareness foundations.

“Rest in peace, sweet girl.”

Youth suicide can be prevented and that is what A.R.C. Angels Foundation is all about. I will never hug my daughter again. But with your help and the help of others, I will do all I can to perhaps save your friend, your neighbor’s child, a relative or even your own son or daughter.

Thank you for taking the time to visit our site.

Sincerely, Rick Cantor