Three years ago, 19-year-old Ryan Hill of Olathe, Kansas, took his own life. He had just graduated from Olathe South High School and joined the Marines. The night before Ryan was going to leave home to go to boot camp, he ended his life.
His mother, Linda Hill, and Ryan's friends started the Ryan Benefit Soccer Game to raise awareness about teen suicide and help families who have lost loved ones to suicide.
The benefit game is Saturday, July 9, at the Olathe District Activity Center at 9:30 a.m. The cost is $5 and there will be several items for sale and being raffled including sports memorabilia from the KC Chiefs, Sporting KC and FC Kansas City.
Proceeds will benefit Suicide Awareness Survivor Support (SASS) andEveryDay Matters. The organizations provide support for those suffering from mental health issues, including suicide.
Linda Hill said that she wants her son to be remembered for the loving and caring person that he was. She is also hoping the annual soccer game will help prevent more suicides.
In Missouri and Kansas, suicide is the second leading cause of death for teenagers.
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Cynthia Newsome can be reached at Cynthia.Newsome@kshb.com.
