Lori is a suicide loss survivor, losing her only sibling, Dennis Squires, to suicide in 2018. Since then, Lori has chosen to focus her energy on raising awareness around mental health and suicide prevention. Working closely with Rock Sports and CMHA-NL has made that possible.

Lori and Dennis shared a special bond. A sibling is the first friend you make in life, and often your longest relationship. You will witness more life events with your sibling than anyone else. Lori’s life in many ways was shaped by her loss, she knows she’s not alone as a survivor in that regard and so she has put forth a conscious effort since Dennis’ death to be open and honest about all aspects of both his struggle and her own. “When we are brave and share our stories with others, we are giving others the permission to talk. Dennis took his life after a long struggle with his mental well-being. He struggled, and he also fought to overcome those struggles. It is through listening to people with lived experiences we gain a greater understanding of mental health supports needed while reducing stigma.”

In some ways, Lori has dedicated her life to her brother’s memory. His legacy is her legacy and his memory lives on in her but also the Dennis Squires Memorial Basketball Tournament. “I know he would be so proud of the work that we are all doing to show up for one another, to have those hard conversations, to normalize getting the help we need, and to show up as our authentic selves. This tournament is to not only honour my younger brother Dennis but to enjoy the sport he loved so much and address mental health and suicide awareness. To anyone facing a similar loss, know that you are not alone. With awareness, support, and love, healing is possible. A major goal of this tournament is to bring people together in a safe space to have great conversations and support one another. A weekend to raise awareness, shatter stigmas, and remind each other that we’re never completely alone through the hardest times. Through basketball, we hope to shine a little bit of light for those who need it.”

Losing a loved one to suicide is one of life’s most painful experiences. Furthermore, survivors of suicide loss are at higher risk of developing major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicidal behaviors, as well as a prolonged form of grief called complicated grief. Lori hopes to help educate people about this and the signs of depression, mental health, and what we can all do to help prevent suicide. “I want to let people who are struggling or experiencing a mental health condition know how important their life is and how much they are needed here. No other family should have to endure this grief. We can’t bring Dennis back, but maybe we can make a difference for someone else. This tournament has provided healing and meaning to so many affected by mental illness or suicide loss”

The gratitude Lori and her family feel cannot be put into words. “THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts to every single one of you for the time, energy, contributions, tears, heart and soul put into this cause. Together we can make positive change.”