Delta Zeta raised $4,775 in donations for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in honor of alumna Lauren Maynard-Lopez’s brother, Cameron Maynard.
The annual Be the Light 5K is hosted by the UCA Epsilon Xi Chapter of Delta Zeta. Lauren Maynard-Lopez was an active member of Delta Zeta in August 2019 when Cameron Maynard, her brother, died of suicide.
Maynard-Lopez created the Be the Light 5K in partnership with Delta Zeta to tell her story, spread awareness and fund resources in an effort to keep others from taking their lives.
“Just five days ago I had a friend, a co-worker, who was able to stop a family member [from dying of suicide], because of resources like this,” Maynard-Lopez said.
The first 5K was held in February 2020, but COVID-19 prevented the 5K’s return in 2021.
The 5K resumed spring 2022, but Delta Zeta decided to move the annual event to September.
UCA Junior Rachel Harmon said, “September is National Suicide Prevention Month, which gives us an opportunity to shine a special, encouraging light on this topic that affects us all, and to send a clear and hopeful message that help is available, and suicide can be prevented.”
In 2022, Delta Zeta raised over $4,000 with the 5K.
This year while there was no fundraising goal set, Delta Zeta beat the previous fundraising record by collecting $4,775 with 130participants registered. The event’s sponsors included the UCA Bookstore, Liberty Rail Services, Taco Bell, Shadrachs Coffee Conway and Ark-La-Tex Health Center. Participants received a t-shirt, and those who took part in the 5k were timed and given medals at the end.
Lauren Maynard-Lopez was grateful for all those who attended and donated, especially her sorority sisters who have supported her and her family since the beginning.
“You girls have no clue the impact you are making. And for my friends and family from out of town, the love that these girls have given all of us, it leaves me speechless.”
Since his death in 2019, Cameron has become an uncle to Maynard-Lopez’s daughter, which has only deepened the gratitude she has for the event as it keeps his memory alive.
“I come out here every year and tell y’all thank you. I need y’all to understand the level of my thank you this year, because this year, I have a daughter, and it is because of y’all that she gets to know her uncle.” Maynard-Lopez said.
Mental health resources are available to all students from the on-campus Student Health Center.
The AFSP Emergency hotline is 988 and is available 24/7 for individuals in crisis who are not currently in danger. If a student is a danger to themselves or others, always call 911.
For more resources visit afsp.org.
