Sandy Martin started the national Lifekeeper Memory Quilts in December 1997. The purpose of the quilts is to raise awareness and prevent suicide by placing a "Face on Suicide," a visual image of the approximately 32,000 suicides that occur in America every year. By putting a face on suicide, these quilts help carry the message of saving live across the country. The goal is for all 50 states and any specialty group interested to be represented by displaying their quilt(s) as a joint effort at the annual National Suicide Awareness Event in September and to use them throughout the year on local levels. The Lifekeeper Memory Quilts provides a creative outlet for survivors (families and friends who have lost loved ones to suicide.)
"I believe Lifekeeper Memory Quilts have several meanings, one, they seem to be healing for survivors, puts more meaning into who these people are that ultimately die by suicide, and that they are all ages, ethnicities, come from all backgrounds, and all loved by someone. The quilts give us more ability to talk about suicide, the stigma of suicide and help educate people about suicide." states Laura Meyer, who lost a child to suicide
In 2006, Manatee Glens started a quilt for the Tampa Bay area. If you would like to add to our quilt in memory of a loved one lost to suicide, please call Pam Cain at 941-782-4271 or email at pam.cain@manateeglens.org. There is no charge to add to our quilt.