A diverse crowd of over 300 gathered for the solemn Walk-Remembrance held Saturday, Oct. 8 at Harmon Field, Tryon. The event, organized by Mary Prioleau, right, and Tamara Black, center, was designed “to offer hope to those who struggle with mental illness.” Prioleau lost her daughter Caroline to suicide last year. Black, who lost a brother to suicide, speaks to the crowd, before the walk around the Harmon Field track. “It’s awful that you need this,” said Prioleau about having to hold the event. She noted that Polk County ranks second per capita among all counties in North Carolina for suicides, “and nobody talks about it.”  (Photo by Mark Schmerling)

Over 70 children were among the participants in Saturday evening’s Walk-Remembrance. The event, which was first held last year, offers hope to those suffering from mental illness, and aims to prevent suicide. “Please do not lose hope,” said one of the organizers Mary Prioleau.