8 | September 12, 2019 | the new lenox patriot news newlenoxpatriot.com ForeverU debuting ‘Remember Me’ walk in New Lenox Sean Hastings, Editor ForeverU’s “Remember Me” walk on Saturday, Sept. 21 in the New Lenox Village Commons, 1 Veterans Parkway, is a new Broker - Management Team “10” FIND YOUR NEXT GREAT HIRE community walk to remember children who lost their lives too early. ForeverU is a 501(c)(3) youth development organization that is empowering youth to overcome adversity through personal development programs that equip them to face life’s greatest challenges and obstacles. Ryan Hesslau, founder and executive director of ForeverU, and former Lincoln-Way East student, said the catalyst for the walk came from wanting to create a place where families can come together to remember and celebrate the lives of the children they, or other people have lost. His motivation to start ForeverU came when he researched stories of students his age when he was in high school who had commit suicide. He wanted to be able find a solution to ensure the youth who were struggling had the resilience to keep living, the website states. “Through our time we Call Noah Pavlina to learn more about recruitment advertising in your local newspaper. 708.326.9170 ext. 46 n.pavlina@22ndcenturymedia.com Ryan Hesslau, founder and president of ForeverU, speaks at a ForeverU event. Hesslau is excited for the remembrance walk Sept. 21. 22nd century media file photo have worked a lot with families that have lost their child whether it was suicide, a sickness or a tragic accident,” Hesslau said. “One of my questions has been ‘what can we do as a community to support you and what kind of way can we find a level of purpose?’ The walk is also a way for ForeverU to spread awareness of local resources to the youth and families. “We can create a space and see the support I think it is a really powerful thing,” Hesslau said. “My vision is to create a space where we as a community, whether we lost one or not, can lean in together. That is really the mission behind this. It is really tough stuff. Nowadays we need those frequent opportunities to lean in together.” The walk is free, though sign up is encouraged prior, but can be done the day of. Donations of $5 or $10 would also be appreciated, but not required. When people sign up online, or in person, they have the option to give the name of the person they will be walking for and if they are comfortable with the name being recognized at the walk. It is not required to give a name. Hesslau said he and his team are not sure how the names will be recognized, but is looking to find a unique way to do so. Hesslau understands the sensitivity of the topic and that people may be in different stages of their grief, but encourages people to come out if they are up for it, as it can be a way to show parents who lost a child that they are not alone. “We encourage them to be part of this moving event,” Hesslau said. “We don’t know what is going to happen. There might be 20 people, or there could be hundreds. We can remind families there are people out there that want to help. People need people is what we believe. But if you think it is too much for you just know that there is a community thinking of If you’re going Saturday, Sept. 21, New Lenox Village Commons, 1 Veterans Parkway 5:30 p.m.- Check-in 6 p.m.- Opening message 6:15 p.m.- Walk begins 7 p.m.- Walk concludes at main stage 7:15 p.m.- Closing message Sign up: foreverumovement. org/events/rememberme-2019 you.” The walk will also feature different partners including Never Walk Alone Recovery, Keys to Freedom Foundation, Miller Counseling and Associates and more. To be featured as an event partner, email info@foreverumovement. org. Please see ForeverU, 10
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