PROVO,UTAH, February 10, 2015 /PressReleasePing/ - February 11th marks six months since we learned of the suicide death of one of our favorite actors, Robin Williams. We were all stunned and heartbroken. Since Williams' death, approximately 20,000 people in the United States have died by suicide (afsp.org).

Author Wendy Parmley understands too well the devastating effects of suicide. In her book, "Hope after Suicide: One Woman's Journey from Darkness to Light," released the day after Williams' death, Parmley details her own healing journey following the suicide death of her mother nearly forty years ago. She was twelve at the time, and her mother was just thirty-one.

"As tragic as Williams' death is," said Parmley, "it has given us an opportunity to talk openly about mental illness, learn about ways to get help, and realize that suicide is no respecter of persons."

Parmley is on a crusade to help others understand not only the heartache of suicide, but also that there is HOPE - hope to save lives and hope to heal hearts. As a volunteer for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and HOPE4Utah, she supports prevention and education efforts to reduce suicide rates.

Parmley also recognizes the need to unashamedly support those who must continue to live in the painful aftermath of suicide. She is currently working with HOPE4Utah to make more broadly available support resources and survivor support groups for those suffering loss. Instead of casting judgment on those who have lost loved ones to suicide, Parmley encourages us to reach out with love and understanding – to share our hugs and our hearts.

"I know too well the feelings of loss, helplessness, and hopelessness that follow the suicide death of a loved one," said Parmley. "I also know there can be hope after suicide. There is light beyond the darkness."

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About Wendy Parmley:
Wendy Parmley, RN, MBA, suffered a disabling bicycle accident in September 2011. Unable to return to her 20 year nursing career because of the continued effects of a traumatic brain injury, Wendy began the slow and painful penning of her angel mother's story and Wendy's healing journey following her mom's suicide death.

Author of "Hope after Suicide: One Woman's Journey from Darkness to Light," and suicide survivor of 40 years, Wendy has long advocated for suicide prevention and passionately lends her voice to support those who have suffered suicide loss. Wendy was a favorite speaker at the recent Salt Lake City National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) annual conference and at the Chainbreaker Foundation. Wendy's heart-felt story leaves the audience filled with an abundance of love, understanding, and hope as she shares her own journey from heartbreak to hope and, finally, to healing.

Prior to her bike accident, Wendy worked in nursing leadership for 14 years, earning her nursing degree from Utah Valley University in 1991. Wendy graduated with her MBA from Brigham Young University in 2007 and was honored to be the convocation speaker. Wendy has three sons and daughters-in-law, one daughter, and two beautiful grandchildren who fill her life with sunshine. She and her husband live in Utah.

About Hope after Suicide:
After her mother had taken her life, Wendy Parmley learned firsthand the heartache, despair, and loneliness that accompanies suicide loss. Reinvent your definition of saved, perfect, and forgiveness as you read this true narrative of a woman opening her heart years after her mother's suicide and learn how to overcome any loss in your life.

"Hope after Suicide," has been endorsed by Hope4Utah's executive director, Dr. Gregory Hudnall. It is also listed on AFSP's list of resources and has received a positive review from the American Association of Suicidology. Wendy has been invited to represent her work as a panelist at the 2015 Virginia Festival of the Book.

"Hope after Suicide," is available for sale at Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com

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For more information, contact: Rodney Fife, Ironrod Media, Ironrodmedia.com, [email protected], (385) 223-8975, Facebook: www.facebook.com/Ironrodmedia

Press Contact:
Rodney Fife
Ironrod Media
Provo , UT 84606
385 223 8975
http://www.wendyparmley.com/