Laurie Mata
“Losing our son Andrew led us to attend our first AFSP Chicagoland Walk in 2016, just three weeks after his passing. That day gave us a sense of community, letting us know we were not alone and that other families were walking through the same painful reality.
Being surrounded by people who understood our grief inspired us to share our story and Andrew’s experience. We continued to walk with the Chicago community for several years, and in 2018 I was honored to speak at the Walk and share our story. In 2018 I was given the opportunity to honor Andrew’s memory and promote the Chicagoland Walk during a segment on The Jam TV show on WCIU during National Suicide Prevention Week. I also completed the 2021 Bank of America Chicago Marathon with Team AFSP’s Race for Hope to raise money and spread awareness.
For several years, we walked and raised funds for both the Chicago and Northwest Indiana events. In 2023, we made the decision to focus our efforts on advocating within our hometown of Northwest Indiana. We were warmly welcomed by the AFSP Indiana Chapter. Volunteering with them has brought us a deep sense of peace and purpose, knowing I am doing God’s work by helping others.
Over the past nine years Mata Strong — the team we’ve organized in memory of Andrew — has held several fundraisers, raising over $50k to support AFSP and this cause we are so passionate about, knowing it would be used to fund efforts such as scientific research, loss support, public policy advocacy, and suicide prevention education programs.
Most recently, I began training to become a peer presenter for Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention for the Latinx and Hispanic Communities (available in English and Spanish). This program is important because it empowers Latinx individuals and families with knowledge, understanding, and tools that can save lives. It helps break barriers in the Latinx community by challenging the stigma around mental health and encouraging individuals to seek help without shame or fear.
Through every step of this journey, Andrew’s memory continues to guide and inspire me to bring hope and healing to others.”
