Lax-4-Life

This year's team philanthropy project serves Lax-4-Life, an organization raising money for suicide prevention and awareness. This Saturday, both Hartwick and their opponents, Elmira, will sport Lax-4-Life shirts and bracelets during warm-ups to raise awareness for the cause. Both teams have also raised money through fundraising efforts, with all proceeds going to this important cause. In total, 63 Lax-4-Life games were held during the 2011 season. This year, they are looking to improve on that number. Below are the goals of Lax-4-Life:

*Raise awareness for suicide prevention
*Erase the stigma associated with suicide and depression
*Educate parents, coaches, students, and the community about warning signs and issues associated with suicide
*Understanding & assisting students with the pressures of life in high school and college
*Provide resources & outlets for those dealing with depression, bullying or suicidal thoughts
*Help aid those left behind after a suicide

Suicide affects many more people than we think. Below are a few statistics that illustrate its prevalance:
- Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among 10-19 year olds
- Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among college age students
- The number of suicides is slim in comparison to the number of suicide attempts per year

It is important for us to know the warning signs. Although suicide can happen suddenly,without any warning signs, 75% of those who die of suicide exhibit some combination of the below signs:
- Appearing depressed or sad most of the time (Untreated depression is the number one cause for suicide)
- Talking or writing about death and suicide
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Feeling hopeless
- Feeling helpless
- Feeling strong anger or rage
- Feeling trapped like there is no way out of a situation
- Experiencing dramatic mood changes
- Abusing drugs or alcohol
- Exhibiting a change in personality
- Acting impulsively
- Losing interest in most activities
- Experiencing a change in sleeping habits
- Experiencing a change in eating habits
- Performing poorly at work or in school
- Giving away prized possessions
- Writing a will
- Feeling excessive guilt or shame
- Acting recklessly

For more information on this cause and the Lax-4-Life program, visit http://www.lax-4-life.org/

We hope you can help us in our efforts even if you cannot attend our designated Lax-4-Life game this Saturday. For those of you in the area, please show your support by coming out to our game.
Hartwick vs. Elmira at 3 PM this Saturday at Wright Stadium.