About us!

Hi friends!! I’m Hannah & here’s a little about me! 

• I’m 18 & a communication major at SVSU hoping to be a social media manager for a non-profit in the future, 

• I’m an adventurer, i love to travel, hike, explore,

• I’m a sky girlie! If you ever need me check beneath any sunrise or sunset or laying under the stars… I’ll likely be there :) 

• I’m a friend of Jesus & I love to share the good news!! (my dream would to be a missionary full time, but it’s a little unrealistic with where I’m at in life!) 

now, here’s a little about my “why”…

first, i’ve dealt with my own mental health struggles. including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. i’ve struggled with my own suicidal thoughts and grieved the loss of a friend to suicide. i’ve seen the effects of suicide with my own eyes. i’ve seen the way it changes people, including me. when someone passes away by suicide there’s a different type of pain in everyone’s eyes. a pain that, in my experience doesn’t really ever end. I’ve heard the pain filled screams and seen the horror cries and panic. i do not wish that upon anyone, not even “my worst enemy”. i’ve felt the pain, i’ve witnessed the horror and I’m now taking a stance. when you lose someone like that or feel that kind of pain, it can very easily consume you. i want to make an impact. the 5k to me is a way we can all come together. from those that have felt the pain or witnessed it to those who simply want to support. i want to bring us together, give resources and support each other through a body of people who understand. because in the darkest moments, it’s so easy to feel isolated and alone. and i hope this walk will be a chance to bring support to even just one person. because i truly believe, everyone is here for a reason. if you woke up this morning and are still breathing, you still have a purpose. i stand by that and will continue to fight for it until my very last breath. 

thank you for listening and learning about me and my “why”. and if you needed a reminder today, i’m happy you exist.

Hey friends! I'm Paige, and heres a little bit about me :)

• I'm 19 and am a freshman at MSU studying Kinesiology for either the PT, OT, or PA route,

• Some of my favorite things are the beach & boating, the sun, working out, hanging out with friends, coffee, and enjoying the outdoors, 

• Music is my world and I am most likely listening to it 24/7, 

• I love to be a friend to all!

Here's my why...

Mental health has been a very prevalent part of my life ever since I experienced the loss of someone close to me due to suicide. I have experienced depression, anxiety, and my own thoughts of suicide. The loss of someone close to me wrecked my world, along with so many others. I would never wish this experience among anyone. Ever since then, mental health has been so important to me. I do whatever I can for everyone around me, to help save many other people from this hurt. When I heard Hannah was doing this 5k again, I jumped at the opportunity. I want to contribute to bringing the community together, and hopefully help people feel less alone. It is amazing what coming together as a community and supporting each other can do. I want to make an impact! :)

Hi friends! I'm Makayla and here's a little bit about my "why" :)

I attended Steps Against Suicide last year and I was really moved by the community and I knew I wanted to play a bigger role in the future. Mental health is something that does not get talked about enough, and I want to advocate for change & give people the space to speak their truth. I love to celebrate the tiny wins because they accumulate into something so much bigger. 

Hey! I'm Ashley, here's my why... :)

I choose to be a part of Steps Against Suicide because, after meeting Hannah at Saginaw Valley State University I could tell how much she cared for and put her all into everything that she does. I wanted to make a positive impact on such an important topic such as suicide and mental health awareness especially in an area near where I am from! So, as soon as I saw Hannah post on Instagram about her looking for people to fill positions to help her in creating such an amazing event, I jumped at the idea. Hannah and I spoke about how I could contribute and we found that the role connection would be a great role for me. I love to share about important causes I’m passionate about and inspire others to help make a difference and that is a part of myself I see shining through that role. Though, I was not a part of the first year of Steps Against Suicide I’m thrilled to be joining now and see the positive impact we can make in the community while bringing awareness to mental health.

Hi friends! I'm Dana and here's my why…

My name is Dana Santilli, I am currently a Special Education Teacher in a small classroom with all kindergartners. I care deeply about mental health and this cause as it hits close to home. I want to see the stigma around mental illness end and to create a community full of support, empathy and knowledge. I am very passionate about this cause and I am excited to see this community come together in support.