Warriors walk for hope in Karns City
KARNS CITY — The Barger family lost their son, brother, nephew and cousin to suicide on March 25, 2018; Tyler Barger was only 27.
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than 47,500 Americans died from suicide in 2019, the agency reported.
In dealing with their grief, Tyler's family chose to take action to support those in distress and educate families through the Warr;or Walk for Hope.
The third annual event took place Saturday at the Karns City Athletic Field attended by a crowd of community members, family and friends. In addition to a walk for hope, funds were raised for suicide prevention.
Tyler was a 2009 graduate from Karns City High School.
“He was intelligent, funny and always smiling,” said his mother, Marta Barger.
As with many families, they were blindsided by his decision to take his life, she said.
“He had a great job, amazing friends, a loving and supporting family,” she said.
The family's mission is twofold: to help families to understand and deal with the devastating loss suicide can cause and provide information and support to individuals who may be having suicidal thoughts.
“We want them to know they are loved, their lives matter, and they are not alone,” Marta Barger said.
More than 30 commemorative banners were placed on the fence around the field at Karns City High School to commemorate loved ones who lost their lives to suicide.Proceeds raised from the Warr;or Walk for Hope will benefit iR;se Leadership Institute, founded by Kristie Knights. The local nonprofit provides grief counseling for suicide survivors, families and friends.Knights provides information concerning suicide prevention and awareness training to the Butler Area School District as well as other districts and organizations. More information about this organization can be found at www.iriseleadership.com.Proceeds from the Warrior Walk for Hope will benefit IR;se to continue to provide information and education for suicide.
Tyler left behind a legacy, according to his family, as he was an organ donor.CORE (Center for Organ Recovery and Education) was an integral part of the Warr;or Walk for Hope as well.According to his family, Tyler's life was not in vain. He donated two heart valves that went to Kentucky and Texas, two veins to Alabama and Texas, and 182 tissue grafts that helped multiple recipients.Each year, families provide quilt patches in honor of their lost loved ones. CORE exhibited the most recent quilt, along with Tyler's patch, at the event.Those attending the walk were able to sign up or receive more information about becoming a donor. Information about CORE can be found at core.org.To learn more about upcoming events, search for Tyler Barger Memorial Events on Facebook.
