Montclair State University’s sorority, Delta Xi Delta, participated in an act of kindness.
This past weekend, Delta Xi Delta, a local sorority at Montclair State University, hosted their third annual All You Need Is Love Walk. The event took place on campus where they brought in a huge crowd to help raise money for one of their two philanthropies, To Write Love On Her Arms.
TWLOHA was founded in March 2006 by Jamie Tworkowski on a mission to help his friend and tell her story. It is a non-profit movement dedicated to raising awareness and support those who struggle with depression, self-injury, suicide and addiction. All of the money raised was donated directly to the organization to assist in treatment and recovery.
Heather Murphy, a sister of Delta Xi Delta, shared her story and spoke up about her struggles in an emotional speech that touched everyone’s hearts.
“Growing up I never knew what addiction or even depression was,” said Murphy. “I was never aware that there are people who suffer from this so badly and may even depend on drugs or alcohol to live. Where I am from, substance abuse has become one of the biggest problems that people of all ages suffer from. Drug use and overdose has become an epidemic. But never did I think that I would be up here telling a story on how I am not an addict but addiction ruined me.”
The crowd gathered in silence and came together to show their love and support for not only their own loved ones that may be suffering, but for those around them that are complete strangers too. “Finding out you have lost your friend to a drug isn’t the easiest thing to hear. Especially when that person is still alive but wants absolutely nothing to do with you,” Murphy shared. “You never see them anymore and they never come home. It is like a part of you is missing. The emptiness is indescribable.”
The sisters of the Delta Xi Delta, along with all of those in attendance, walked around the perimeter of the campus in honor of those who are dealing with things such as self-injury and addiction, as well as those who have been lost due to depression and suicide. In addition, the event was comprised of a number of activities and tables such as a bake sale, a photo booth, games, prizes, crafts, snacks and refreshments. It was co-sponsored by several organizations on campus including other sororities and fraternities, MSU’s Counseling and Psychological Services, the Muslim Club and Active Minds.
The co-president of Active Minds expressed her many roles and ties to Delta Xi Delta’s philanthropy throughout the walk. Not only does she serve as a helping hand in the community for those in need, but she is an experienced operator for suicide prevention hotlines. At the event, she sat down with a number of people to discuss the many options when it came to their concerns with their own personal struggles.
“To everyone suffering from anxiety and depression, to those who have a loved one suffering from addiction, you are not alone,” said Murphy. “It is okay to want to laugh and cry at the same time. It is okay to kick and scream because I totally have.”
For more information on upcoming events, donations or how to get involved with To Write Love On Her Arms visit, twloha.com.
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