Saturday, July 27, 2024
After Kara Yocom lost her 14-year-old son to suicide, it became her mission to bring awareness to bullying, mental health, and suicide.
Yocom’s son, Isaac Bueno-Yocom, took his own life on Aug. 2, 2015, after experiencing bullying at school. Now, she uses his story to help other parents and the community recognize the signs of bullying and suicide.
“I didn’t know back then when I lost my son,” Yocom said. “I didn’t know how to bring up the conversation to him. Because in my generation it was if you talk to them, you put it in their head. The reality is, it’s already there, so it’s our job to talk to them and let them know we’re their safe place.”
Yocom is bringing her third annual L.I.V.E Fest event to Freedom Park in Gatesville on Oct.19. The event will feature informational booths from various organizations, such as American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and I’m Bully Free, as well as speakers, performers, family-friendly activities, and more.
The purpose of the event is to spread awareness about the effects of bullying and provide resources for parents who are concerned about their child’s mental health.
“Because suicide is on the rise, there’s more and more every year, and people need to know that there are safe places, what they can do, and how they can talk to somebody about it,” Yocom said.
“I’m here to help parents,” she adds. “Say their child is being bullied and (is) suicidal, I’m here to talk to them, to help them, to tell them Isaac’s story.”
Suicide is the second leading cause of death in young people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). People who have experienced forms of violence, including bullying, have a higher suicide risk.
“Bullying is on the rise,” Yocom said. “It doesn’t just stop at school; it keeps going through the internet. They don’t get a break from it.”
Ahead of the event in October, Yocom will pass out bracelets, stickers, and Peyton Hearts in memory of Isaac to customers at the Gatesville Pizza Hut during Random Acts of Kindness Week from July 26 through Aug, 2. The week commemorates Isaac’s birthday on July 26, and the day of his passing on August 2.
Yocom adds that Random Acts of Kindness Week will also include bracelets and stickers to raise awareness about infant loss.
On August 21, the Gatesville Pizza Hut will donate 20% of a purchase to benefit L.I.V.E Fest as part of their “Eat Pizza, Raise 20%” program. If ordering online or with the app, enter the code HUTGIVES or show the digital flyer to a Pizza Hut team member in person. The digital flyer can be found on the “3rd annual L.I.V.E Fest 2024” Facebook page.
Yocom said she is still looking to include more vendors for the event in October, such as food vendors, speakers, performers, or vendors that sell crafts or items that bring people joy. She hopes to have a full list of vendors by mid-September.
L.I.V.E Fest will begin at 10 a.m. and is free to the public. Help support the event by visiting “L.I.V.E FEST 2024” at gofundme.com.
