Meet Terri Sudduth | AFSP Galveston

We had the good fortune of connecting with Terri Sudduth and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Terri, every day, we talk about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Several years ago I attended my first AFSP Out of the Darkness Walk in Austin, TX. Right away I knew that was an organization I wanted to somehow be a part of. A few years later I ended up moving to Galveston and am now planning a Hike for Hope Event scheduled for March 26, 2022. Suicide awareness is a passion of mine. On the night of Jan 26,2002, I lost my mom by suicide. For most of my childhood and teenage years I watched her struggle with addiction and depression. I didn’t realize the severity of it until I was in my mid twenties. I can recall going through several attempts with her and used to think they were cries for help or attention. She and I never had the best mother daughter relationship. The last time I saw my mom alive was the afternoon of my grandma’s funeral. She hugged me goodbye in the parking lot and told me she loved me. I had no clue that would be my last time to see her alive. That next morning I got the call saying she had died by Suicide. I know in my heart she just felt as if she couldn’t go on. I know in her mind she felt that she did what was best for herself because she was hurting. Going through the grief process was overwhelming. I experienced so many various emotions. I spent years working through guilt and regret. It took me a long time to let go of the “what if’s.” I wasn’t able to save my mom but after experiencing my first AFSP event I found a passion for the organization. So many people feel alone, so many people are hurting and it breaks my heart to know that so many people feel like suicide is the solution to their pain. My heart’s passion is to bring awareness to those who struggle with thoughts and help bring some hope and healing to those who have lost loved ones by suicide. I grew up in Houston and now live in Galveston and am excited to bring an Out of the Darkness Walk to my community. My hope is this becomes an annual event and lives are touched. I can’t bring my mom back but I have vowed to spend the rest of the life she gave me to help others who feel the way she felt. Suicide doesn’t discriminate. It’s not always the person who looks sad all the time who makes the attempt. It could be the handsome high school jock, the trophy wife down the street, the successful businessman, the person who appears to have it all together, the straight A student and the person you least expect. There’s a quote that has become one of my favorites. It says “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind, always.” That is so true. People are hurting from old wounds, fresh ones, the craziness from the pandemic and every day life in general. With the help of organizations like AFSP many of those people are able to get the resources they need to fight their battles. I will always stand by and support this organization. On March 26, 2022 Galveston will have its first Out of the Darkness event bringing awareness about mental health and suicide prevention to the Seawall. Learn more or register at afsp.org/galveston

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Bringing this event to Galveston has been a passion of mine for the past few years. I love the fact that when we walk the ocean will be right there. My mom loved watching the waves so that is very meaningful to me.

In my spare time I spend my work days teaching preschoolers at a local Galveston Preschool, spending time with friends and making memories with my nieces.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The members of “Terri’s Tribe” who walk with me and share unending support.

For Stephanie and Kim who are my two biggest cheerleaders and for Megan and all of her help.

Image Credits
Terri Sudduth