SCARBOROUGH, Maine — Nearly a year after their daughter committed suicide, a Maine family is turning their loss into a mission.
Ashley Johnston took her life in June 2013. At 23 years old, she was the youngest child of Margie and Russ Johnston.
The Scarborough couple said that since their daughter’s death, they’ve been working to put suicide awareness at the forefront.
On Saturday, they held an outdoor event to raise awareness and money as well as support others affected by suicide.
“[We are trying] to get people to come out and not sweep it under the rug and not be ashamed about it. We need to talk about it and try to help suicide survivors,” said Margie Johnston.
The money raised will go to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.