Amid the friendly banter of the 29 men, women, and children who gathered at the D&L Trail along the Carbon County parking lot, there was the knowledge that they were there to help people in need.

The Fourth Annual Run for Hope, Walk for Change Suicide Awareness 5K was held Monday evening in Jim Thorpe.

“We run not only in memory of those we lost, but in support of those who suffer,” said Kathy Goldberg, one of the coordinators of the run. “There’s a stigma with suicide; we don’t like to talk about it. What this event does, we bring it out into the open, and we ask people to talk about it.”

Goldberg shared that in 2006, her father took his life, so the reality of suicide is painfully close to her.

Another organization hosted the 5K for two years. After that ended and after others asked, they held their first 5K Run/Walk in 2023.

Participants made a donation to enter. All money raised stays local and is donated to the Bo Tkach Foundation.

Medals were awarded to the top runners/walkers.

Boys division

• 1st place, Roman Goldberg

• 2nd, Jagger McElmoyle

• 3rd, Cameron Hartman

Girls division

• 1st place, Maddyn Kanick

• 2nd, Grace Turnbach

Men’s division

• 1st place, Pete McElmoyle

• 2nd, Doug Lease

• 3rd, Logan Hunsicker

Women’s division

1st place, Tricia Kanick

2nd, Jeanna Hartman

3rd, Dawn Antignani

A special K-9 honorable mention was given to Zelda, who joined in the walk.

Door prizes were also awarded.

“If someone is in need of help, they can call 988, and be connected with someone 24/7,” said Becky McFadden, who walked in the 5K. “They can offer more resources or to help talk you through if you are in crisis. It’s a wonderful resource.”

“Just remember, there’s always hope. Call a friend, or call the 988 suicide hotline,” Goldberg added.