Elisha's Story

H.O.P.E. – Hold On Pain Ends

We lost our daughter Elisha to suicide April 8, 2014. Since that time, I have prayed for a way to honor her memory. Now I believe I have found what I have been searching for. We discovered Elisha had saved nearly all of the cards I sent her throughout her 25-year struggle with mental illness. In my personal experience, I found it challenging to find the right card. A get-well card can seem inappropriate; encouragement cards don’t always convey the right message.

Dr. Jerome Motto, a leading psychiatrist (UCSF), discovered the power of a non-demanding “caring letter” decades ago. His research found sending a card or letter expressing “genuine care” to discharged patients who had previously attempted suicide reduced the rate of recurrence by half. Dr. Motto’s discovery is still being supported through the efforts of healthcare providers and others in many fields of work. Caring words sent as follow-up treatment for those depressed, anxious or dealing with other mental health issues, aid in the recovery process and reduced the rates of suicide.

Glimmers of HOPE Bookmark & Card Project

H.O.P.E. – Hold On Pain Ends - is an acronym that was developed to increase awareness of the risk of suicide and to encourage suicide prevention for those suffering from depression, anxiety and other types of mental illness.

In my desire to share the message of HOPE, I discovered amazing artwork that beautifully aligns with my quest. Marva Sheriff, Credo Designs, is the owner, artist and designer. Marva’s cards convey the message I was looking for - caring compassion and offering HOPE.

Marva designed a very special card in memory of our daughter, Elisha. This card emphasizes hope using the H.O.P.E. acronym with a special message of hope inside. I began the project with greeting cards, but realized cost and distribution can be an obstacle. I made the decision to begin offering bookmarks so I could expand my outreach to schools and organizations. I carefully chose 9 bookmarks and purchased a limited quantity of them to begin offering them for FREE to area schools.

There is power in a written note that can be saved, read again and cherished.

IMAGINE …

Data shows (https://sparq.stanford.edu/solutions/caring-letters-prevent-suicide) those suffering from depression and anxiety respond to messages conveying caring compassion. I imagine and HOPE to continue to expand the outreach of the "Glimmers of HOPE" project.

This is a heartfelt appeal. IMAGINE … if your message of caring compassion and hope to someone receiving these bookmarks would save just one life, my hope and dreams would be fulfilled.

Donations are accepted, but not required.

For more information or questions, please contact me.

Lorrie Carlson – Email GlimmersofHOPE22@gmail.com or phone (701)388-0624