The TSP Origin Story
Team Suicide Prevention(TSP) was created out of a tragic event. In 2016, Bill Taitano lost his daughter, Celestae Gibbons, in a murder-suicide. In 2019, he communicated his desire to form a cycling team to participate in the epic, international, three-thousand-mile (3,000) mile “Race Across America” to fellow cyclist Eric Gomez. The team would race with the purpose of raising awareness that suicide is preventable. Together, they recruited eight racers and nine crew members to turn this dream into reality.
The goal was to Race Across America in 2020, but COVID forced the cancellation of the international event. This delay meant TSP had more time to train, add sponsors, calculate logistics, and increase funding.
In June 2021, Team Suicide Prevention finished the three-thousand (3,000) mile race in seven (7) days, nineteen (19) hours, and thirty-four (34) minutes. During this race, the team had the opportunity to speak with many people about suicide…some disclosing their own suicide attempt or loss of a friend or family member. A total of ninety-five thousand(95,000) dollars was raised and after paying race expenses, the remainder was distributed among TSP partners who work on the forefront of suicide prevention.
The Race Across America Finish Line Video, award ceremony, and interviews can be viewed at this link.: RAAM Finish Video
In 2022, TSP completed another International event called “Race Across the West”; with the goal of raising suicide and mental health awareness. The team included four senior cyclists along with six crew members. The team completed this one-thousand(1,000) mile race in two-and-a-half (2.5) days. The funds raised were distributed among our partners working directly with those at risk.
While we are still “in the race to save lives”, Team Suicide Prevention has expanded outreach by getting involved in community events. The focus has shifted from being a racing team to using cycling as a venue to raise money by co-sponsoring area cycling events. TSP has sponsored ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) to educate our members and the public on effective communication with those in crisis. We promote our cause with various projects like art shows and auctions. TSP has a primary role in the organisation of Walk Out of Darkness. Our featured project is the Hope and Healing Boxes, which are filled with comforting items and letters distributed to families who have lost a loved one to suicide.