STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK
A suicide attempt left 16-year-old varsity cheerleader Emma Benoit paralyzed. But it propelled her on a mission to use her experience to help others find hope.
Her story is told in the documentary “My Ascension.” And two free screenings are being offered to the community on Sunday and Tuesday, Nov. 14 and 16.
Sunday’s screening will be held at 2 p.m. at The Mint. Tuesday’s will be held at 6 p.m. at the Sun Valley Opera House. There will be Spanish subtitles and headsets for translation of the movie, as well as the Q&A with Benoit that will follow the screenings.
The Q&A that follows will also feature a panel of experts who offer community resources dealing with mental health and suicide.
A virtual option is also available. To reserve free tickets or see the link, go to:
https://crisishotlineidaho.networkforgood.com/events/35596-a-documentary-film-to-spread-hope-and-fight-suicide
The film chronicles Benoit’s quest to walk again as she works with Hope Squad, a school-based suicide prevention program. It also highlights the stories of two remarkable young people who did not survive their attempts and the devasting effect it had on their families and friends.
Twenty young people die every day by suicide in the United States. The film will explore ways to prevent such tragedies.
Cory Chalmers, owner of Steri-Clean is responsible for bringing Benoit to the valley.
“Cory Chalmers is an amazing man who has been to too many suicide scenes in our community and he wants to do more, as a businessman, husband, father and community member,” said Tammy Davis, director of The Crisis Hotline. “This will be an impactful and moving experience.”
Davis said that various organizations plan to follow the screening with more awareness to help the community understand how brains develop, the signs of suicide and how people can be of help to one another.
Questions? Call Davis at 208-788-0735.