SpeakUp ReachOut 2025 Memorial Ceremony
Keynote Presenter
Dennis Gillian
Dennis Gillan has been deeply touched by suicide, and after years of sitting on the sidelines he jumped into helping those in need by working on the suicide prevention hotline when he lived in Chicago. After moving to South Carolina Dennis got involved with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and is on the board of the local state chapter. In this capacity, he gets to lobby lawmakers for additional funding for suicide prevention and raise funds and awareness to help combat the rise in completed suicides in America. Dennis’s real calling is telling his personal story of how he (sort of) recovered from his losses and what he has learned along the way. He's an author and TEDx speaker..
On a quiet Sunday morning, community members gathered for SpeakUp ReachOut’s Annual Memorial Ceremony to remember those lost to suicide, reflect on their own healing journeys, and revitalize hope together.
The morning began with warm conversation and a delicious brunch generously sponsored by Hovey & Harrison and Village Bagel as participants connected with others who share a deep understanding of loss. Keynote speaker Dennis Gillan shared his powerful personal story of losing his two brothers to suicide. His courage and openness reminded everyone that grief is not something to carry alone — and that community can lighten even the heaviest sorrow.
Dennis closed with a favorite quote that resonated deeply:
“A shared joy is double the joy, a shared sorrow is a half sorrow.”
Lantern Remembrance Ceremony
Following his keynote, attendees participated in a lantern remembrance activity to honor their loved ones. Guests were invited to decorate paper lanterns with names, drawings, and personal messages. Each lantern became a reflection of cherished memories and enduring love.
One father, pointing to the hands he had sketched on his lantern, shared quietly,
“My son and I always held hands. We had so many adventures together. He was such a beautiful person, inside and out.”
As the lanterns glowed softly, the space filled with tenderness, connection, and remembrance — a powerful reminder of why we come together each year.
Guests were also invited to take part in reflection activities, including meditation, tapping, and sound bowls, offering moments of calm, grounding, and connection throughout the morning.
“The tenderness in the room and the deep vulnerability and bravery of everyone there was profoundly moving,” one attendee shared. “You created such a special space for healing.”
We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us — survivors, families, friends, local businesses, and community partners — for coming together to honor those we’ve lost and to hold space for one another. Your courage and compassion remind us why this ceremony matters each year.
Together, we continue to build a community where no one walks this journey alone.
