Thanks to the online voting from friends, family and strangers in the Teche Area, Cynthia Elmer won $3,000 from Giles Automotive in Lafayette as the Acadiana Hero for April. The prize money awarded Elmer recognizes her efforts to make others aware of the effects of suicide.

Cynthia and Willie Elmer lost their son, Kevin, to suicide in 2004. With little support in the state for those who have lost loved ones to suicide, Cynthia Elmer began to travel a new road sharing her story and her loss.

Elmer found help in coping with suicide 10 years ago by becoming instrumental in organizing the first chapter of the American Fountation for Suicide Prevention Out of the Darkness Walk. The walk in 2015 saw 953 participants and raised $50,000.

Today there are eight commom walks and two campus walks in Louisiana. Elmer’s advocacy roll has led her to the Louisana state capital and Washinton D.C. bringing help and hope to those experiencing loss and some who survived.

“The lives touched by this outstanding citizen are overwhelming,” said Mary Jean Coleman, AFSP senior director, southern division.

The funds she received from Giles will assist in reaching others.