Race kits will be available to those registered the morning of the event, complete with a race chip and more. The first 300 registrants will receive t-shirts. Volunteers are also being sought to help out at the registration site and at the trail.

"All the money (raised) is turned back into our community for educational purposes, presentations in schools, public forums, workshops," she said. "It all comes back here and doesn't go anywhere else (the money is) for our own youth and our parents."

She noted it is hoped in the future to have some form of community workshop or sessions on substance abuse and mental illnesses for parents.

The walk not only provides an outlet to raise awareness about suicide and drug abuse, it also provides an outlet for people who may not have talked about personal tragedies they have experienced, or those who have lost loved ones, a chance to speak with others who may have or be experiencing the same thing.

"Sometimes it may be the first time they are expressing how they feel among people who can understand their feelings," she said.

She has taken her story to classrooms throughout the area, speaking to children about what happened to her son, and taking the stigma away from mental illness and substance abuse. Through presentations in Smiths Falls as well as Lanark County, there are at least two children she knows of who were saved as a result of those presentations. Children who might have otherwise committed suicide.

"I didn't want Brett to die in vain, but to continue through me. He's not here, but I will do this for him," Nicole said as she placed her hand on her heart.

When Nicole first started sharing her story, she would seek out interested schools, now she is receiving requests and is "trying to keep up with demands."

Ensuring she stays current and on top of trends such as bullying, drugs and more, the presentations are relevant conversations for the children and youth.

Her presentations start out by talking about Brett's life and how things unraveled for him through depression, substance abuse, and alcohol, then she speaks to bullying. She talks about signs and symptoms and how to reach out, both as a friend to someone in need and for someone who needs help - the different ways in which to find it.

"It is better to get help and reach out then wake up one morning and your friend not be there," she pointed out.

At the beginning of her workshops she speaks about talents and aptitudes, noting everyone has at least one. She asks students to share what some of their interests might be, for example, photography. At the end of the presentation she returns to speak about their talents and notes when things aren't going well or if they are having dark thoughts to focus on the positives, find solace in those interests.

"There is a stigma. I didn't want kids to feel ashamed. I talk to them about reaching out to people and then to reach out to each other."

She likes to sprinkle sayings throughout her talks and one she loves and hopes most children will remember is "most problems are temporary and solvable." She said life changes constantly and most problems and crises are not permanent in life.

"Don't make a decision on that crisis," she said.

The presentation then ends with a song "Streamline" a theme song for a popular soda brand that Brett had on his Mp3 player the day he died. A song he listened to that day on his bicycle ride. Nicole tears up as she still pictures him riding on his bike to the song which is rather upbeat. One school in Smiths Falls, she relates, has turned this song into the theme for their gym classes.

"I love the kids. I love working with the kids," she explained.

Normally an officer from the local police service as well as a counselor from Open Doors for Lanark Children and Youth are on site when she undertakes a presentation. Children and youth are also provided with evaluation sheets which are then gone over afterward and children that might appear to need help are sought out. Informational materials are also provided.

Children often come up to Nicole after she speaks, perhaps to open up, to ask about her presentation - all memorable moments for the mother. She remembers one instance where two girls came up to her and shared that they were worried about a friend of theirs. She asked if they would be comfortable speaking with one of the counselors on site. After talking with the counselor they were able to get the help for that friend that they needed.

"For me - I am a very positive person and I didn't want to be in a corner and place blame," she said after her son's death. "I wanted to do something positive with what happened to help others."

She explains she herself had to reach out "to get the help so I could become a better person in society."

In terms of making presentations in schools, she explained, research has shown if a person is going to have a mental illness, it usually manifests itself during their youth or teen years.

"Kids don't seem to be able to deal with problems on a daily basis," she commented. Often children come from varying family situations, or perhaps are in single family homes and there is a prevalence of texting and cell phone communication.

"With texting you can't read the body language," leaving children unable to cope when something very serious happens.

"Put the phone down, try to talk your problem out," she charged. "You can't see tears on an iPad."

Nicole has a teenage son, Dennis, 17, as well as a full time job. And of course she spends much of her time raising awareness of suicide and the many issues surrounding that topic.

"I am very thankful to Carleton Place and the drug strategy committee for their help," she also is grateful to town councillors as well as the local mayor for all of their support. Nicole sits on the Carleton Place Drug Strategy Committee. Its inception was in 2009 and its board features members who are passionate and dedicated to "reducing the risks associated with drug and substance abuse and misuse," their website reads.

For more information please visit the website listed above.

mshook@perfprint.ca