DMAX delivers straight talker on choosing life

The statistics about suicide are not only surprising, but also quite sad. It ranks tenth in the line of causes for a death. What’s more alarming is that for each one completed there have been 25 people who did attempt to take their own lives on any given day, but didn’t succeed. It’s why Laurie Burstein-Maxwell and her husband, Lee, began DMAX, an organization to help deal with those experiencing any form or degree of mental illness, along with their families.

After spending a year and a half trying to quell the ravages of emotional and psychological pain the couple’s son took his own life. Devastated but determined to let Dan’s life stand for something, to “matter”, the family quickly got the ball rolling and conversations on the subject of teen suicide began being convened. This year the person speaking out at DMAX’s annual friend and fundraiser April 3 at the Shipley School in Bryn Mawr has had extensive experience with those that wanted to end their lives.

Known as “The Guardian of the Golden Gate Bridge” Sergeant Kevin Briggs was instrumental (over the course of 23 years) in keeping more than 200 people from plunging into the frigid and fearsome waters beneath the span. Briggs’s knack for engaging the distraught people, who came to his place of employment, is legend. Under the sergeant’s watch only two of the many, who professed to want to end it all, actually took the plunge.

Through her music New York lass Whitney Woerz, another of the evening’s advocates, has been doing what she can to tackle the stigmas surrounding teenagers and mental wellness. The young lady has not only written a story, based around the emotional struggles of a friend, but also did a music video of her own pertaining to the subject titled “Ghost Story”.

This year’s award for leadership was presented to Ernest & Young’s (EY) Lori Golden. As an advisor on all the issues that have to do with making EY an easily accessible company, both physically and psychologically, Golden trains those who are “okay” to help others who might be struggling to get up to snuff or have a family member who isn’t.

Next up for DMAX is a series titled “Creating Conversations that Matter” which will be running during the months of June and July. For times and dates check the website at www.dmaxfoundation.org. It could be a life changing or saving event.

Bryn Mawr Hospital’s president Andrea Gilbert, behavioral health director and DMAX board member Michael Hammonds and Liz Bland, director of BMH’s Emotional Wellness Center, head to the auditorium for the opening ceremonies.

Marie Killian of East Falls attends the third annual DMAX fundraiser with board member Tammy Beil of Blue Bell and Carol Staubach of Media.

Rosemont resident Janice Hencher, Maureen McAleer of Villanova and Vasantha Narayanan of Bryn Mawr meet up at the pre-lecture reception.

Singer, songwriter Whitney Woerz and her mom, Chrissy, look over DMAX’s promotion materials including their signature wrist bands.

DMAX founder Laurie Burstein-Maxwell (center) greets Brian O’Keefe of Glenmoore and his wife, Kathy, a sales representative with Main Line Media News.

Geoff Teehan and Bryn Mawr resident Lee Maxwell, founder of DMAX, await the arriving guests.

Keynote speaker Sgt. Kevin Briggs gives the audience facts and figures about suicides on the Golden Gate Bridge.

DMAX board member Wan Shin of Newtown Square chaperones the evening’s honoree, Lori Golden of Potomac, Maryland.

Ed Baumstein of Gladwyne and John Morerman of Malvern understand from personal experience what DMAX means to the community.

Main Line School Night’s former director Claudia McBride of Radnor, her spouse, Ken Sklar, and Radnor Board of Commissioners President Elaine Schaefer understand the need for DMAX and its message.

Marcella Gambino and Abby Motson of Cherry Hill, N.J., wait for their tickets with Drexel Hill residents Cynthia Moskow and Rick Tashman.

The Hirshes of Bryn Mawr, Betty and Bud, are among the first to arrive at the third annual DMAX symposium.