Kathleen Gilligan is fundraising
$20 for Palmer's 20th birthday
On October 4th, 2012 Palmerston Robert Kelly Burk was suddenly, tragically lost to suicide by firearm. He was 14 years old. Today, July 29, 2018 he would have been 20 years old - the end of the teenage years that he never got to live. 
Since 2014, I have served as the parent representative for the WA State Safer Homes Coalition. The Coalition has launched the SAFER HOMES, SUICIDE AWARE campaign, which works to reduce suicide deaths via legislative action, public education, and training of professionals such as Pharmacists and firearms retailers. The Coalition is supported by Forefront Suicide Prevention based at University of Washington.
Safer Homes is making a difference in WA State and beyond - providing free, downloadable suicide prevention and education materials to the public and health care professionals. We have also received national attention for our collaborative work with firearms owners, the VA, and gun rights groups to pass sensible, life-saving legislation in WA State (http://www.intheforefront.org/programs/policy-advocacy/).
On a personal note, my volunteer work with Forefront and the Safer Homes Coalition has resulted in intense healing and empowerment for me. Palmer's story is a cautionary tale that has allowed the public to understand how to talk about suicide to their kids, family and friends, and to dispel stigma around mental health. Suicide is the number one killer of kids in WA State, and 79% of firearm deaths in WA State are suicides. My son was well trained in firearm safety and had also taken the WA State Hunter Safety class. Because of my work with the Coalition suicide prevention is now part of the Hunter Safety course and will reach over 12,000 people each year.
Donations are made to UW Foundation and will be earmarked for the Safer Homes Coalition (www.saferhomescoalition.org)
Please consider donating $20 (or more) for Palmer's 20th.
Since 2014, I have served as the parent representative for the WA State Safer Homes Coalition. The Coalition has launched the SAFER HOMES, SUICIDE AWARE campaign, which works to reduce suicide deaths via legislative action, public education, and training of professionals such as Pharmacists and firearms retailers. The Coalition is supported by Forefront Suicide Prevention based at University of Washington.
Safer Homes is making a difference in WA State and beyond - providing free, downloadable suicide prevention and education materials to the public and health care professionals. We have also received national attention for our collaborative work with firearms owners, the VA, and gun rights groups to pass sensible, life-saving legislation in WA State (http://www.intheforefront.org/programs/policy-advocacy/).
On a personal note, my volunteer work with Forefront and the Safer Homes Coalition has resulted in intense healing and empowerment for me. Palmer's story is a cautionary tale that has allowed the public to understand how to talk about suicide to their kids, family and friends, and to dispel stigma around mental health. Suicide is the number one killer of kids in WA State, and 79% of firearm deaths in WA State are suicides. My son was well trained in firearm safety and had also taken the WA State Hunter Safety class. Because of my work with the Coalition suicide prevention is now part of the Hunter Safety course and will reach over 12,000 people each year.
Donations are made to UW Foundation and will be earmarked for the Safer Homes Coalition (www.saferhomescoalition.org)
Please consider donating $20 (or more) for Palmer's 20th.
- S
- B
67 supporters
guidestar.org/profile/94-3079432
charitynavigator.org/ein/943079432