HIGHLANDS RANCH — A smile spread across Lori Harper’s face as she walked around her home, looking at old pictures.
The specific photos she focused on were of her daughter, Kami, who ended her life four years ago when she was 22 years old.
When she started to talk about her loss and her pain, Harper’s grin vanished and her eyes watered. But rather than stopping the conversation, she continued speaking about what happened. She said that’s what helps her.
“You know, it’s a club you don’t want to be in,” Harper said. “No parent should lose a child.”
Harper described her daughter as an “awesome soccer player” and a dancer. Harper said Kami energized her life until Aug. 29, 2014 – the day Kami ended her own.
Kami was in an abusive relationship, Harper said.
“She kept saying she wasn’t sure what she was going to do," Harper said.
Kami was married for eight months before she killed herself.
“I didn’t know it was possible to have your heart physically hurt and to ache,” Harper said. “You feel so alone when it happens. You just reach out and you’re trying to find anyone that will help you.”
Harper found the connection she desperately sought through the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, a non-profit organization that “raises awareness, funds scientific research and provides resources and aid to those affected by suicide,” according to its website.
Harper said the organization brought her the most comfort through its annual community walk, which is hosted in cities across the U.S. She said it’s a chance to meet and connect with people who know the specific hurt that comes with losing a loved one to suicide.
“That’s why I got involved,” she said.
Harper said Kami is now her inspiration for helping others in similar situations. Her latest work is promoting AFSP’s Out of Darkness community walk in Denver next week.
She said last year’s was the 10th largest walk for the organization out of 500 walks in the country.
This year’s walk is scheduled to happen Saturday, Sept. 22 at Coors Field.
Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the opening ceremony will start at 10 a.m. People will take off for the nearly three-mile walk around 10:15 a.m.
The event is free to attend, but donations are encouraged to help the non-profit raise money to continue its work.
