Defy Darkness; #SuicideFreeBy2023

Forever14.org took over Defy, transforming this trampoline experience into a giant sleepover for 50 teens. Our lock-in started at 11pm and lasted all night till 6am on Valentine's day when we all walked out of the dark, shining our light on a 3 Cay walk around the Marina to remember those who died by suicide and to commit to be #SuicideFreeBy2023. Parents and supporters were welcome to join us on the Sunrise walk. 

As with most teen sleepovers there was little sleeping. Our friend @KRizz775 got us all bouncing to the sounds of his Blessings & Love. Check out his style at Krizzmusic.com. Next up was story time. We heard from Maddie @CouldBeWorsePodcast and Alex, a UNR Student. Grant from Karma Box Project lit up the night with fire and shared his remarkable journey These stories inspire us to be kind, inclusive and empathetic towards all humans. Everybody has a story and these are some of the best.   

Bouncing and Story time is not all we had planned. Defy is a huge trampoline experience with obstacles, a trapeze and swing, dodgeball, silks, ninja course, air track, slackline, warped wall, zip line and more. It's the perfect padded room to test your limits and literally go off the wall and we did all night.

Given the times, we practiced covid protocol. Defy has a strict policy to keep everyone safe. You can find out more at  https://www.defysparks.com/cleaning  Everyone attending had a signed waiver on file for Defy and a signed waiver for Forever14.org. NO ONE WAS ALLOWED TO LEAVE THE EVENT WITHOUT A PARENT PRESENT. Safety is our #1 concern.

This event was limited to 50 teens and it filled up quickly. The cost was $25 and non refundable. We had several parents stay and chaperone. In all we had a total of 10 adults plus five staff members to help us facilitate this one of a kind night. It was simply amazing and we look forward to doing this next year. 

Forever14.org is committed to creating original events that advance conversation and human connection to prevent teen suicide. Our goal is to be #SuicideFreeBy2023 the year Caleb would have graduated. Teens, were ready to meet you where you are at. Thank you for coming out to have some fun. We're all in this together!