(Photo courtesy of Ross LaDue, BSU Athletic Media Relations)

On Tuesday, February 8, 2011 the Bemidji State University women’s hockey team came together to support their teammate Kenzie Thurston in her crusade to create awareness for youth mental health and suicide. Back in Kenzie’s hometown of Ottawa, Ontario the day was officially called “Purple Pledge Day in support of Youth Mental Health: Do it for Daron.”

The day of was in memory of Daron Richardson, a 14-year-old girl from Ottawa who took her life on November 13, 2010. On February 8, 2011 Daron Richardson would have been 15 years old. Her favorite color was purple. Yesterday, the Beavers came together and wore purple in honor of Daron and create awareness of this cause.

Daron was the daughter of Stephanie and Luke Richardson, the assistant coach for the NHL’s Ottawa Senators. Rather than keeping this tragedy to themselves, the Richardson family decided to raise awareness of teen suicide and depression in hopes of preventing further tragedies like this from occurring.

Kenzie’s sister played hockey with Daron and because of this relationship, Kenzie wanted to share this story with her current hockey teammates at Bemidji State and create awareness on the BSU campus. The support she received from her teammates was overwhelming and inspiring.

Kelly Schultz, radio voice of BSU women’s hockey, spoke with Kenzie yesterday about this event and how we can all create awareness for youth mental health and suicide in our communities. Listen to the Podcast HERE.

Read the story from the Ottawa Senators website HERE.

View the official press release from the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health HERE.

To learn more about “Do it for Daron” click HERE.

To find out information on Beltrami Area Suicide Prevention Program at the Evergreen House click HERE.