My first three Supernatural conventions were highly emotional. There was a significant moment at each one that, along with the death of my nephew, laid the foundation for SPN Survivors to come to life in 2014.

When we started, my husband and I thought we were building a website to shine a spotlight on the resources available to those who were suffering from the loss of a loved one to suicide. We quickly realized, however, we were building something far more reaching.

We had our 1^st vendor table at Vegas Con one week after Jared Padalecki launched his first Always Keep Fighting campaign. Once again, that convention was highly emotional for me as I shared my story of loss and listened to the SPN Family share their stories of struggle. What I learned that weekend was that our 8ft table space provided a SAFE place for people to open up and talk about things they normally cannot. And that need was great!

     
I flew home completely exhausted (physically, emotionally and mentally) but the SPN Family inspired me in so many ways. The result was the creation of our Battle Buddies and a circle of love and support I have never experienced anywhere else in my 45+ years on this earth.

The other result was that SPN Survivors became a 501c3 non-profit organization only 18 months after we launched the website. And that is all because of YOU . . . the SPN Family. There aren’t enough words to express how I feel about this amazing group of people lovingly known as the SPN Family.

In 2014, when SPN Survivors went from being an idea to a reality, I became aware of the many powerful stories of how Supernatural had not only changed people’s lives for the better, but also saved people’s lives. My husband and I felt these stories should be documented and somehow used to inspire others and serve as a testimonial to the power of our “little show” truly Helping People, Saving Lives: The Family Business! (our motto)

     
We were thrilled to learn Lynn Zubernis (Fangasm) felt the same way and after 2+ years of hard work, everyone will be able to read some of these powerful life-changing stories in Lynn’s new chapter book, Family Don’t End with Blood: Cast and Fans on How Supernatural Has Changed Lives, available May 9, 2017.

I am super excited about this book and can’t wait to read all 25 chapters and be inspired, once again, by the power of our show and the SPN Family!

     
As 2016 came to a close, I found myself reflecting back on all the wonderful people I have had the privilege to meet on this “survivors journey”. From Rachel, who I shared tears and a missed photo op with in Vegas, to another Rachael who shared with me these words from Misha (above), to the many moms who poured their hearts out to us (especially at ChiCon) and so many more. You have touched my heart and changed me for the better. I think about you often and wonder how you are doing. I’m sorry I can’t remember all of your names, and over time I may not remember your face, but I remember your story. I remember your hugs, your tears, your pain, your joy, and your thank you’s. And I treasure them all, so Thank YOU! And {{hugs}} to all of you too.

I’m also thankful and blown away by the generosity and kindness of those who donated to our Comfort Kit collection drive last summer. Between Pittsburgh, Minneapolis, Chicago and those who mailed items directly to us, we received over 700 coloring books, crayons, colored pencils, notebooks, journals, and activity books! THANK YOU to all who donated!!! Your contribution is making a difference in the lives of those who are hurting and need to know their life matters, and that we care about them.

This is what it’s all about . . . Helping People, Saving Lives: The Family Business!

Looking forward, we are busy breathing life into our two annual awareness events:

March for Hope – Moving together for a brighter tomorrow – is our annual fundraiser and mental health awareness event which we will officially kick-off at Nash Con Feb 24-26 . Please join us as we make #TakeCareofYou a month long event with various activities supporting your physical, mental and emotional health. We also invite you to join our fundraising efforts through our Facebook Page to support our Comfort Kit Program in hospitals, schools and counseling offices. Every $25 raised sponsors a Battle Buddy and Comfort Kit to help someone Always Keep Fighting for better days ahead because #YouMatter!

#YouMatter! Day – Creating ripples of kindness across our communities – is our suicide prevention awareness event coming up in September. Please join us as we make “mattering” a way of life by reaching out to those around us and reminding them they matter. “It’s amazing how kind words and actions can create a ripple effect and many others will benefit from the positive things you do and say.” (T.A. Garcia)  We encourage everyone to be THAT ripple effect and make a difference in your community.

The last four years have been an amazing journey and I am forever grateful for each and every one of you. Let’s keep marching forward, together!

Come on . . . {{Group Hug}}
~ Karla

Original photo courtesy of www.mattcohen4real.com

My first introduction to Matt Cohen was as young John Winchester on the CW’s TV show Supernatural. My second introduction was at a Creation Entertainment Salute to Supernatural convention in Chicago. It was a Friday night, Matt was dressed as a carrot, and he joined me in the audience to sing part of Bon Jovi’s “Wanted Dead or Alive” during Dick & Matt’s fabulous Karaoke Party.  That weekend, Matt made a lasting impression on me, to say the least, but it is his #you campaign on Instagram and Twitter (@mattcohen4real) that has had a tremendous influence on my life, and for that, I will always be grateful.

Some of the quotes and sayings that Matt has shared via #you have encouraged me, made me laugh, made me cry, and inspired me to be brave and to keep moving forward during difficult times. Because of this, I started to wonder what inspired Matt to start his #you campaign and so . . . I asked him.

SPN Survivors:  From my perspective, #you puts a smile on thousands of faces around the globe on a regular basis and inspires them to be better people. Could you please tell me the story behind the ”#you campaign” with your Instagram and Twitter accounts?   How did it get started?  What inspired you to start helping and inspiring others with something as simple as #you?

Matt:  As I tell many of the fandom members the #YOU campaign is far more selfish than it comes off to be. It started with me talking to myself. I would get sad or depressed or discouraged and I would find a quote that was inspiring or uplifting and I would post it to #you, being me. It was and continues to be my way of self motivation and self happiness. I am now to the point where I see how many people I help with the #you posts and I need it! I need it for my own happiness, for my own well being! Everyday I awake I feel a huge urge to help someone so that I can help myself. A lot of my strength and positivity comes directly from the fans. By me inspiring them, they are unknowingly inspiring me.

SPN Survivors:  Tell me about #You Day. What was your motivation to create this day?  Was it “a call to action” for your fans?  A way to bring all those quotes and sayings to life?  I thought your birthday was an interesting choice.  A day that is normally a celebration of YOU and YOUR life was turned into a celebration of #You.  Was that your point?  Do you plan to do it again?

Matt:  I cannot take any credit for the #you day idea. I was on twitter and I saw a fan made a really cool piece of artwork featuring me and the #you tag. It was their unique post that inspired me to do a day of good deeds on a day that is all about self. The post had my birthday on it so I just helped promote the fans idea of having a #YOU DAY on September 28th! I plan on doing it every year. It was an amazing experience.

SPN Survivors:  Ralph Waldo Emerson states, ”It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.” Do you feel this is true? Has #you proven it to be true? I never knew how true that statement was until I created SPN Survivors and find myself amazed by this “beautiful compensation”.  How would you describe “this compensation”?

Matt:  I have to refer to my answer [from the 1st question]:  Everyday I awake I feel a huge urge to help someone so that I can help myself. A lot of my strength and positivity comes directly from the fans. By me inspiring them, they are unknowingly inspiring me.

It wasn’t until my deep involvement with the SPN fandom that I was able to figure out what I am and what I am here for. It also wasn’t until I was about 28 or 30. Over the past few years being hands on with a fandom that accepts me for me, has given me all the happiness in both my professional and personal life. I have come to realize that establishing a voice thru the entertainment industry I can, in turn, have a voice to inspire and uplift thousands of other people. We are all here to teach, help, and care for one another and now I know that.

SPN Survivors:  “Family don’t end with blood” and #SPNFamily are fan favorite motto’s. What do they mean to you?  Has your definition of family changed or broadened since becoming a member of the SPN Family?  ~  And speaking of family, how exciting to be expecting your first child!!  Congratulations!

Matt:  Yes, I come from a very broken home and really have no blood family left outside my dad and half bro and half sis. That being said, I am as rich as a man can be with family. Blood means nothing to me. The people I love and would do anything for are immense in numbers now. SPN has given me friends and family that will grow old with me and that is a beautiful feeling. I am excited to be welcoming my son into this lovely and caring world of unique and passionate people that I call family.

SPN Survivors:  I have seen and heard stories, on numerous occasions, of how Supernatural (the show/the fandom) has saved a fan’s life, changed their life for the better, or in my case, helped them through a very difficult time. How do these stories impact you?  Are there any that have really resonated with you that you would like to share?

Matt:  The show has proven to bring people together and make new friends. That being said, I think it is wonderful to meet and hear the stories of the friends that have become roommates and co-workers from all over the world. I’ve shared stories with suicidal folks and cutters etc. and we try and find a way to heal together. It is not always easy and I may not have any effect on the people I talk to, but I have to try. There are many stories of success that I have heard from fans helping each other and that really makes SPN something special because at the end of the day it’s SPN that brought us all into each other’s lives.

SPN Survivors:  The SPN Family frequently rallies behind causes and charities that the cast and crew support. I plan to list these charities and events on the SPN Survivors website to help with awareness, to inspire others to get involved, and to encourage the SPN Family to support one another.  I’d like to spotlight a different charity each month.  Are there any organizations or charities that you would like to spotlight and promote?

Matt:  I help Random Acts anytime I can. Misha is a great guy and I love what he does there.

SPN Survivors:  I couldn’t agree more about Misha being a great guy. Random Acts is doing wonderful things at www.randomacts.org as they pursue their “mission to conquer the world one random act of kindness at a time”.

And finally, I wanted to bring the interview full circle and ask:  Are there any quotes or sayings that really speak to you, Matt, when you are struggling?

Matt:  There is only one:

          Follow Your Destiny, Wherever It Leads You

There comes a time in your life when you realise that if you stand still, you will remain at this point forever. You realise that if you fall and stay down, life will pass you by.

Life’s circumstances are not always what you might wish them to be. The pattern of life does not necessarily go as you plan. Beyond any understanding, you may at times be led in different directions that you never imagined, dreamed, or designed. Yet if you had never put any effort into choosing a path or tried to carry out your dream, then perhaps you would have no direction at all.

Rather than wondering about or questioning the direction your life has taken, accept the fact that there is a path before you now. Shake off the “whys” and “what ifs” and rid yourself of confusion. Whatever was – is in the past. Whatever is – is what’s important. The past is a brief reflection. The future is yet to be realised. Today is here.

Walk your path one step at a time – with courage, faith and determination. Keep your head up and cast your dreams to the stars. Soon your steps will become firm and your footing will be solid again. A path that you never imagined will become the most comfortable direction you could have ever hoped to follow.

Keep your belief in yourself and walk into your new journey. You will find it magnificent, spectacular, and beyond your wildest imaginings.

by Vicki Silvers

SPN Survivors:  As I’ve said before, #You has helped keep me motivated to bring SPN Survivors to life, even though doing so can sometimes be emotionally overwhelming.  Thank you, Matt, for supporting me!  Your kindness is greatly appreciated.  But most of all . . . Thank #You for being YOU!!!

You never know when a moment and a few sincere words can have an impact on a life. – Zig Ziglar

Dear Brave SPN Fan,

On October 27^th, 2013 you and I were at the Westin Hotel in Rosemont, IL to see Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles at Creation Entertainment’s Salute to Supernatural convention (ChiCon).  You were in line on the left side of the stage to ask a question.  In fact, you asked the LAST question of Jared and Jensen’s panel that day.  You asked if Jared and Jensen thought Sam and Dean would ever give up on life.  Would they ever feel so overwhelmed to consider suicide?

My heart broke when I heard your question and tears immediately started to roll down my cheeks as I reached for my husband’s hand.  I worried for a moment how the boys would handle your question.  Jensen was very somber and remained silent as he deferred to Jared.  Jared’s answer was beautiful.  He told you, “Getting rid of yourself is never the answer.  Keep on fighting the fight.”  Jared went on to talk about how when he’s struggling, he’s learned to take the focus off himself and his problems, and look for ways he can help someone else.  By doing this, you help yourself by helping others.

I tried to find you after the panel but I was on the other side of the room and there were simply too many people between us.  On that day, I wanted to find you, give you a hug, and encourage you any way I could through my tears.  Today, I still want to find you and hug you, but I also want to thank you and praise you for your courage because YOU and that moment at ChiCon have forever changed my life!

I lost my nephew to suicide and his death ripped a hole through my heart and knocked me off my feet with such force that I have really struggled with how to move forward.  My homework assignment from my counselor is to look for opportunities to talk about my nephew and to talk about suicide.  I thanked Jared in the autograph line for his genuine, heart-felt answer to your question.  I also found the courage over the next several months to reach out to others who were at ChiCon and talk about your suicide question and my suicide loss.

In the process of reaching out to others, I discovered there were people all around me who were suffering in silence, and that they too, just needed a little help on how to move forward.  I realized I needed to take my loss, my journey, and pay it forward to help others within the SPN Family.  And so . . . I created SPN Survivors.

I want you to know I think about you A LOT and I will never forget you!  I wonder what impact Jared’s answer has had on you over the last year.  I want to know you are OK.

You are Awesome!  You are Brave!  And you inspired me to take the necessary steps I needed to move forward in my journey, and to help others along the way.  I would be honored if you would contact me.

With Much Love!

~ Karla

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @SPNsurvivors