STANTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — “The Story Unfinished” is an annual event that began with a heartbreaking loss that fueled a personal request to help others who may be going through the same thing.
For mother Christina Smith, the event aims to spread positivity, empowerment, and hope about raising awareness for suicide prevention.
Smith’s son Nathaniel “Gage” Cutler took his own life on Aug. 21, 2023, making it her mission to help others see that their story is not yet finished.
The second annual Story Unfinished event is a day about more than just gathering. It’s about breaking the silence, honoring those they’ve lost, and celebrating life.
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While the event will feature food trucks and vendors, a car show, a butterfly release, and more, Smith said that resources and information tables will be available for anyone who needs them.
She said there is something for everyone, whether you’re there to learn, remember, connect, or simply enjoy the day. She wants to remind people that their story is not finished.
“My pain is what drives me to do this. I don’t want any other parent to feel the way I feel with losing a child or losing a child of suicide, and really importantly, I don’t want anyone to feel the pain Gage felt; as you know, he was deciding to take his life, that desperation that he felt, the loneliness, the misconception that his pain would always be there,” Smith said. “That’s what drives me to just go forward, forward, forward, and that’s why I created this Story Unfinished event, because as long as I live, Gage’s story will always be told, and I want people to know he lived, you know, so it was pain and love that created Story Unfinished.”
Head operations coordinator for Story Unfinished, Rachel Stanley, said they want to break down the stigma and normalize conversation about suicide because she believes that it will save lives.
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The suicide rate among males in 2023 was approximately four times higher than the rate among females. Males make up 50% of the population but nearly 80% of suicides, according to the National Suicide Prevention website.
“I want people to know that there is help out there, and you’re not as alone as you think you are. Everyone has something that’s burdening them, and we want them to know that they can reach out, that there is community, and it’s okay to talk about your struggles,” said Stanley.
The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday at Powell County Lions Club Park.
If you would like to support its mission or learn more, click here.
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