Pay It 4ward: Suicide support group thanks member for creating hope

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – It’s the people who have been through some of the darkest times, who have the ability and empathy to help others.

Tonight, KOB 4 helps Pay It 4ward to a woman who’s lifted survivors of suicide loss for decades. 

“I’ve known Desiree for around seven years, and she has been just a wonderful person to everyone that meets her and everyone that she encounters,” said Mary Sanchez, a Pay It 4ward nominator. 

Desiree Woodland is a lifeline to so many who have survived the loss of loved ones to suicide.

“I too have been through tragedies in my life, or losing my husband, and my son through suicide. And I went to a Survivor Suicide meeting for support, and Desiree was sitting up front and greeting everyone,” said Sanchez. 

“She wants us to know that suicide cannot always be prevented. But we, as a people can learn, be educated to recognize the signs of mental illness, and that there are resources,” said Vivien Keith, a Survivor of Suicide Loss Support Group member. 

Woodland lost her own son to suicide 17 years ago.

“In support of SOS, she wrote a book about her son, Ryan,” Sanchez said. “She also wrote this since then.”

A second book she worked on with her other support group members, about love and loss.

For all the support Woodland has offered and continues to offer, Sanchez and Keith decided to Pay It 4ward with $400.

Watch the video above for more.