Susie Wilsdon

I know some of you didn't know Susie but she was one of us, an artist and a friend. She took her own life two years ago. I think that many of you who didn't know her personally can still identify with this.

Adam Fine who has has been involved with many of our previous (and hopefully future) endeavours is taking part in a sponsored walk next month to raise money for a suicide prevention & support charity. I'll let him explain in a far more meaningful way,

"In the past four years I have lost three people in my life to suicide. They did not know each other, and there was no common connection. Suicide is elusive, unexpected, and a terrible weight not only on those who fall victim but on those who experience its aftermath.

I began walking last year in honor of my dear friend, Susie, who passed away almost exactly a year before in 2010. Susie was one of the first people I met while pursuing my degree abroad in 2004, and we became friends soon thereafter. Her laughter was infectious; her sense of humor and her charm were incredible, even enviable. Susie was radiant from her core. I am lucky, but not alone, in having experienced her kindness. Her artwork was entirely engaging, though she never would have admitted to it. Her favorite music--Leonard Cohen, Dolly Parton, Ian Dury, to name a few--was eclectic enough to be appropriate for most situations. When teaching English abroad, the photos of her with her students showed smiles all around. Susie saw me through some terribly difficult times in my life, and not a day goes by that I don't think of her, love her, or miss her. So I walk for Susie, because our friends, her family, her students and I understand the honor of having known her, and because the goodness and grace she brought to this world mustn't be finite.

But I also walk for myself. As long as I can remember, I've also lived under this shadow, this threat. While I don't feel it every day, it looms all the same, making itself known in times of joy and sorrow alike. It's an unfortunate companion that I now realize cannot be ignored. But so long as I walk, I can keep moving toward a future--unknowable, indefinite, but hopeful still.

And I walk so others might keep walking.



I've set my goal to what it was last year, $350, which by the kindness, understanding and generosity of those who supported me in 2011 far exceeded that. I do hope to exceed it again.

This is a very worthy cause. Thank you to those who supported me last year, and thank you for reading my message."

This is his fundraising page


I was going to say sorry for the serious post but I'm not. Life isn't all fun and games unfortunately and I think it's important to share what Adam's doing.

Sam x