Life After Loss: Mary's Garden Media Foundation to launch with public event May 14. Mission to Provide Hope for Healing After a Loved One Dies by Suicide.

MONMOUTH COUNTY– On Tuesday, May 14, 6pm-9pm, at the Vogel in Red Bank, a new foundation, Mary's Garden Media, with the mission of providing hope for healing for families grieving a loved one who died by suicide, will officially launch, at a free community event, open to the public. Attending could prove beneficial to anyone navigating their grief journey, whether their loved one died by suicide or another cause. All are welcome. Reserve today.

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The event will include Mary's Garden Media's premiere screening of the poignant documentary "Life After Loss: A Parent’s Perspective on Losing a Child to Suicide," featuring Jack's parents, Bob and Christine Moore of Fair Haven, NJ.

Mary’s Garden Media was co-founded by renowned photographer Danny Sanchez, who has a studio in Red Bank, and filmmaker John Decker, both intimately acquainted with the profound impact of suicide bereavement.

Various nonprofits are participating, offering valuable information and resources, including Stephy’s Place, a support center for grief and loss that plays an important part in the healing journey for both Sanchez and Bob Moore.

Sanchez, reflecting on the loss of his wife Mary Yahara, remarked, "I wanted to find a way to honor Mary, to commemorate her life, and to extend a helping hand to our community."

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In loving memory and to help others, Mary's Garden Media was formed, which led to the production of Life After Loss. Bob and Christine Moore share their personal grief journey about their son Jack in the film, Life After Loss, produced by Mary's Garden Media.

The film exemplifies the challenges encountered in the aftermath of a devastating loss. Every grief journey is personal and unique. Complicated grief such as a suicide or the death of a child in general can often leave loved ones with very intense grief, often feeling no hope. Sanchez and Decker through their work with the documentary Life After Loss, are working to plant seeds of hope for bereaved families.

The YMCA has partnered with Mary's Garden Media to enhance the mental health landscape by providing support for individuals and families navigating the profound grief of a loved one who died by suicide.

The public is invited to the official launch event of Mary’s Garden Media on Tuesday, May 14, at the Vogel, located at 99 Monmouth St., Red Bank. Hosted in partnership with the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County, a longtime provider of mental health support, this event is free and open to all who seek insight into grief resources, suicide prevention, and holistic mental well-being.

Decker emphasized the scarcity of resources available for those coping with suicide loss, stating, "We aim to decrease the stigma around suicide. It’s a different kind of grief, and it’s our hope to fill the vacuum.”

The nonprofit aspires to raise financial support to create a library of films that serve as therapeutic conduits for viewers, fostering solace, empathy, and the beginning of the healing process.

"We aren’t just highlighting the struggles; we're showcasing the strength and resilience of the human spirit," Decker affirmed. "Together, we can transform stories of sorrow into narratives of strength and hope."

Bob Moore echoed this sentiment, sharing his journey of finding joy amidst grief. “It was a choice,” he said. “I didn’t want the grief to consume me. I didn’t want it to be the thing that defined me.” His wife, Christine, now helps promote mental health awareness and both will be at the event launch, lending their voices and experiences to the shared journey of health and resilience.

“If our story can help even one person, it's a win," Bob Moore said.

Laurie Goganzer, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County, underscored the significance of community collaboration in suicide prevention and post-vention efforts. "We are stronger when we work together,” she said.

Along with resources from the nonprofits and the premiere of Life After Loss, the evening will include a biopic on Sanchez and the story that inspired Mary’s Garden, a message from Mary’s Garden Media board of directors, a Q&A moderated by Terence Wall of Holmdel.

Refreshments will be available.

“We’re thankful for our supportive community,” said Susan Doctorian Kyrillos, a member of Mary’s Garden Media board of directors. “We’re looking forward to an evening of camaraderie, enlightenment, and empowerment.”

Other participating nonprofits will include: CPC Integrated Health, Mental Health Association of Monmouth County, Monmouth Arts, Monmouth Rainbows, Ridge Road Run/RBR The Source, Rutgers Health/HOPES Program, Shore House, Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide, Veteran’s Affairs Suicide Prevention, and YMCA Counseling & Social Services. Get your free tickets here.

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