Walk helps mother and community cope
Yvette Makescoldweather records opening prayer and song at a suicide awareness walk at Ronan High School last Friday, where she was an organizer of the event. (Ashley Fox/Lake County Leader)
Yvette Makescoldweather records events from the suicide prevention walk that she helped organize. (Ashley Fo photos/Lake County Leader)
Participants in last Friday’s suicide awareness walk wore yellow shirts in memory and support of those lost to suicide.
Those in attendance at the suicide prevention walk in Ronan last week joined in a large circle. (Ashley Fox/Lake County Leader)
Yvette Makescoldweather felt that bringing the community together would help her continue to heal nearly two years after the death of her daughter, Ashley Lozeau.
Helping to organize the Suicide Awareness Walk held at Ronan High School Friday, Sept. 21, she said that the event was a way for extended family, who have lost others to suicide, to cope.
The walk coincided with National Suicide Prevention Month, which is September.
The event was in partnership with the Reason to Live Native Center of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.
“I’m trying to do what I can,” Makescoldweather of Together as 1 said, adding “It’s not going to bring my daughter back, but it helps.”
Putting photos of Lozeau on handmade signs, Makescoldweather shared a piece of her daughter’s story.
On Oct. 30, 2016, Makescoldweather found Lozeau, and practiced CPR on her for about 20 minutes before the ambulance arrived.
Her efforts kept Lozeau alive, although in the hospital for several days.
“We had her for about another week,” Makescoldweather recalled. Additional brain testing was completed after Lozeau didn’t show signs of improvement.
“We had to let her go,” Makescoldweather said, adding that Lozeau passed away on Nov. 5, 2016, just 10 days before she would have turned 22.
Lozeau left behind 11 siblings as well as troves of photos.
Although social media can at times be negative, Makescoldweather said she’s thankful her daughter had an active presence on Facebook, where she can look through and print photos of Lozeau.
At least 150 registered to walk, with more attending.
Throughout the event, people were able to share their own stories of suicide survival to how loved ones have passed.
Others shared their personal phone numbers and resources for anyone who needs to talk.
Your Life Matters Project donated door prizes.
Makescoldweather invited Sen. Jon Tester, D-Big Sandy, who was unable to attend due to scheduling, reading a statement from his office.
Those with suicidal thoughts are encouraged to call 800-273-TALK (8255).