Alexis Pilkington's family to raise suicide awareness
Alexis Pilkington is seen in an undated photo released by family friend Michael Stracuzza. Credit: AP
Family and friends of Alexis Pilkington, the West Islip teen who committed suicide in March, hope a celebration of her life will help others escape her fate.
The Alexis Pilkington Memorial Foundation will host a fundraiser on July 23 at Cedar Beach in Babylon to raise awareness about suicide, suicide prevention and cyberbullying, as well as to raise money for educational programs and scholarship programs aimed at students on Long Island.
"Lexi's Beach Bash" will take place between 6 and 10 p.m. under a beach pavilion near Ocean Parkway and will feature live music, food and social service providers.
"Our mission is that we need to go on with life and that life is still important and that there is much that needs to be done to help these kids," Alexis Pilkington's mother, Paula Pilkington, said.
Pilkington, a 17-year-old soccer player and recent graduate of West Islip High School, was found dead on March 21. Her suicide first gained attention because of anonymous negative comments on her Facebook page and on Formspring.me. Some worried that those ugly remarks had pushed her to suicide. After her death, mean comments appeared on her memorial Facebook page.
While Pilkington's parents have been adamant cyberbullying did not push their daughter over the edge, since her death classmates have spoken out about cyberbullying and boycotted social networking sites.
Her parents have openly discussed suicide as a mental health issue as well as the toll suicide takes on those left behind. Pilkington's mother said her daughter would have attended an event like the one to be held in her memory.
"If anyone was going to the beach, she would jump in the car with you," Paula Pilkington said of her daughter. "I'm asking anyone who knew Lexi, those who didn't, those who want to talk about her, and those who want to share stories to just come down and have a nice night on the beach."
The event will feature the Suffolk Police Pipe Band, a raffle and prizes. Several social service organizations will also be on site to speak with students. Those who attend may make a voluntary donation.
"It's just a beautiful night at the beach to celebrate her and the people she's helped," said lead organizer and family friend Christina Maiori.
Proceeds will go to organizations including The Long Island Crisis Center, Family Service League and Suicide Prevention Education Awareness for Kids.
Paula Pilkington said she hopes to protect other families from experiencing her grief. "If we can save one life by bringing awareness to the community then that's our purpose."
More information about the fundraiser or the Alexis Pilkington Memorial Foundation is available at alexispilkington memorialfoundation.org or by e-mail at giveevery thingbutup@yahoo.com.
