Jeremiah and Katy Hansen lost their child, Carolyn, to suicide in 2023. Known as “Care” to family and friends, she graduated from Riverton High in 2020 and was pursuing a nursing career. Even with all her success, she battled mental illness. Her family said every day Care survived was a victory.

Jeremiah and Katy Hansen, and their daughter Carmen, attend the Riverton Hope Walk in honor of their daughter, Care, who died by suicide in 2023. (Peri Kinder/City Journals)

“She was an amazing CNA, a world traveler and a humanitarian. She was just an awesome person,” Katy Hansen said. “She struggled a lot with mental health. We lost her at age 21.”

The Hansens, along with their younger daughter Carmen, attended the Riverton Hope Walk on Feb. 28 to shine a light on suicide prevention and awareness. The annual event brings together Riverton High students, city leaders and community partners to show support for those who struggle with mental health and suicidal ideation.

Riverton High’s Hope Squad held a series of school events during the week leading up to the walk, which started at the high school and concluded at Spirit Corner (12600 S. Redwood Road). Bethany Snow is the school’s Hope Squad president. She relates to those dealing with mental health issues and hopes the activities help students feel less alone.

“Hope Squad is really important to me because I’ve been there and mental health really matters,” she said. “I know it sounds cliché, but it gets better. There’s always someone who wants to help you. You’re not alone.”

RHS Student Body President Seth Christensen said if there’s one thing about Riverton, it’s that people show up for each other. He appreciated the hundreds of people who came to participate in the Hope Walk.

Seth said he’s had several friends who have dealt with suicidal ideation and he’s encouraged them to talk to someone. He said choosing to live isn’t easy, but it’s always worth it.

“We’re all here because people matter. We’re all here because we’re trying to make a difference,” Seth said. “I’ve been able to see people in their struggles, and I’ve seen them not only continue to live, but continue to thrive. There’s a new light to them that wasn’t there before, once they saw that people cared about them.”

The RHS Hope Squad meets often with trained professionals to learn how to identify signs of distress and to reach out to offer help. The intention is to reduce stigma around mental health issues and change the school’s culture to be one of kindness and inclusivity. 

Since Care’s death, the Hansens have started the Care Forever Foundation, honoring her life and legacy, and supporting the causes she believed in. For more information, visit Care-Forever.com. 

“We address all kinds of things, like suicide awareness and intervention, but also humanitarian work,” Jeremiah Hansen said. “We want to carry on her legacy. She traveled to more than 20 countries before she turned 20. I even went to Uganda with her on a humanitarian trip.”

For those struggling with mental health or suicidal ideation, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides counselors to deal with life’s challenges. The 988 Lifeline is available 24/7/365. All conversations are free and confidential.

Hundreds of Riverton residents showed up to participate in the annual Hope Walk, bringing awareness to mental health struggles and suicidal ideation. (Peri Kinder/City Journals)