By Patricia A. Scheyer
NKyTribune reporter
Although it is early to think about about a 5K race that will happen on September 12, the race coordinators would like some help in designing the official T-shirt for the race.
The theme for this year’s race is ‘Let the Light in’, and the new shirt should reflect that theme. The chosen design will win $100.
Ethan’s Purpose is the group hosting the run and the contest. Founded in 2018 by Richard and Debbie Zegarra, Ethan’s Purpose was created to preserve the memory of their son Ethan, who died by suicide when he was just 16 years old.
Ethan was adopted when he was born, and he gradually developed anxiety, depression and ADHD. Ethan was in counseling at the time of his death. Until middle school, however, he was a happy kid, taking part in life and active all the time.
Ethan’s parents believe that if they knew then what they have learned since about resources, their son’s story might have taken a different path. With this knowledge and understanding, the organization they founded now has the fuel it needs to bring hope, education, and support to others who need it.
Just recently the organization was able to buy a program called ‘Hope Squad’, that costs $100,000, and introduced it to Boone County Schools.
“I used to teach in the Boone County schools, and Ethan attended North Pointe school, so I wanted to start there,” said Debbie Zegarra. “Since I retired last year, I was able to go to the schools and talk about the program and help the counselors take steps to incorporate the program, where students are appointed to the Squad and they are sometimes able to see signs that adults might miss. It is a peer to peer program, encouraging kids to talk about feelings, raising awareness and erasing the stigma for suicide.
There is another program that just started called Pathways to Progress where counseling interns from Northern Kentucky University can help. It is a three-day program for incoming freshmen at Conner High School right now, where the students are encouraged to develop skills to help them cope with emotions and feelings that they might have coming to a new school and helping them know who to go to if they need help. They hope to incorporate the program in other schools in the future.
The organization Ethan’s Purpose is a community-based nonprofit, and its mission is dedicated to promoting mental wellness, suicide prevention and hope.
They work through education, advocacy and collaboration to provide evidence related mental health training, programs within the schools, and peer to peer initiatives that allow the students to support themselves and their friends.
“We feel that by partnering with schools, families, and local organizations we are increasing our access to resources, reducing stigma around mental health, and creating a safer, more connected community where individuals feel supported and valued,” said Zegarra.
Anyone can participate in the contest to create a stunning tee shirt for the race in September, but the deadline for entering is June 29 which is fast approaching.
“Past tee shirt designs are on our website at www.ethanspurpose.org, which is also a chance to download our logo,” said Zegarra. “Directions on how to enter are on the website also.”
There is a prize of $100 for the winning design, and people can enter more than once. Organizers want those who enter to keep in mind that the suicide awareness colors are teal and purple.
The race route is on the website too, and it shows a 5K route in the neighborhoods around North Pointe School.
“The route is one that Ethan used to run whenever he was stressed,” said Zegarra. “It is a good route. Last year we had 577 people run in the race, and there were moms with strollers and dogs as well as serious runners. More people are becoming aware of our purpose, and that is a great thing. We do have good prizes for winners.”
Zegarra said it has been eight years since Ethan died, and the organization is meant to be able to reach out to other children and teens who might be fighting the same feelings that Ethan fought, and to be able to help them so suicide would not be their answer.
“Unfortunately we lost him,” said Zegarra. “But God has a way of putting you in a position where you can help others, and we are in that position. We are doing our best to help others find a way to light their way.”