It's been said suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.

But that's an unfair statement.For one, it's judgmental. For another, it's condescending and tends to pigeonhole or marginalize victims.Suicide has been shrouded in unfair stigma and taboo for so many years we're only now starting to get a grasp of its seriousness.It's the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. Pennsylvania ranks 29th among the 50 states.But suicide is never about statistics.It's about people and family.And unless you've been impacted by suicide in your own family or maybe a very close friend, you have no idea about the flood of emotions that swallow those left behind.Tara Stauffenberg of Tamaqua understands the feelings all too well.Suicide took her brother Cory in 2009 at age 32."I never saw it coming," she said.Sadly, their father had ended his life in 1981 at age 30.To be doubly impacted by suicide of a father and a brother is almost beyond the comprehension of most people.It's enough to crush one's spirit.But Stauffenberg corralled her emotions, took a bold step and launched Dudefest, an annual event to raise money for the Schuylkill County Suicide Prevention Task Force.The August event is held at the West Penn Rod & Gun Club."I started Dudefest for Cory because I couldn't save him. I couldn't help him," she said. "Maybe I could help someone else."Stauffenberg not only worked through her personal grief, something she undoubtedly continues to do, but also found the drive to think about others.Her strength is nothing short of remarkable.Everyone needs to develop a better understanding of suicide and its dynamics.Schuylkill County's Suicide Prevention Task Force offers resources, materials and speakers who will teach people how to recognize and help those who may be considering suicide.Carbon County has a crisis intervention hotline, suicide prevention resources and county screening for suicide risk activities.But nothing drives home the message quite like the story of Tara Stauffenberg and her ambition to help others.She's an inspiration. Her work demonstrates the greatness of the human spirit.And you can bet her father and brother are proud.By DONALD R. SERFASSdserfass@tnonline.com