Hello everyone! My name is Piper Wyman, and I am proud to introduce myself as the founder of Be the Difference. My passion for suicide awareness began when I realized how frequently suicide was affecting me and those around me. It’s a heartbreak that no one should have to endure, yet far too many people face it every day. I felt that not enough was being done to create change, so I decided to take action and make a difference.

My dad inspired me to push this passion to create something meaningful. In October of 2022, I reached out to the mayor of Middletown to share my vision, and he kindly supported me in organizing a community walk to raise funds for suicide awareness and prevention. When I spoke about what I wanted to accomplish in Middletown, I said I wanted to make a difference. I said I wanted to Be the Difference. That’s when it hit me—there could be no better name for this walk. And so, “Be the Difference” was created.

Since then, with the unconditional support of my community, Be the Difference has raised nearly $35,000 for suicide awareness and prevention. All of the funds raised have been donated directly to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention- NJ Chapter. Thank you to every single person that has stood by me and supported me to this moment. 

Today, I want to say just how deeply passionate I am about suicide prevention. We are given only one life to live, and I believe it’s essential that we live that life to the fullest.  Learn to find the beauty in filling your own cup and putting yourself first. Never feel ashamed to do what you need to do to be okay. There is no health without mental health. Always remember that! 

Now that I have shared my story, I hope to inspire those around me to please join me on Sunday, May 31st, as we come together to share this passion and Be the Difference we need in the world. 

Hi! My name is Alex Taddeo, and I am proudly the Managing Director of Be the Difference. Mental health has always been a passion of mine, something I knew deeply affected every person I knew, including myself. It’s one thing to be passionate about something, but I wanted to do something with that passion.

When I saw the action Piper was taking to open the conversation around mental health and suicide awareness, I immediately wanted to get involved in any way possible. I volunteered in the first year and sought even more involvement in the second. Now, in my third year, I am proud to have collaborated with Piper to direct the walk she founded and to be more involved than ever.

Managing the walk this year has brought me nothing but joy. Taking action on something I am passionate about and feeling like I am making a difference has fulfilled me in ways I never knew I needed. I finally feel like I have a purpose in life and am making a positive change. I hope to make this third year the best yet—not only by reaching my goal of raising $15,000, but by spreading positivity whenever I can. If I can help even one person feel heard or loved, my goal will be achieved.

Everyone has a story, and I hope to inspire others to make a change as well.