A crowd gathered as a petite, middle-aged woman took the stage at Agoura High School to thank everyone for coming and share a few words about her daughter, Grayson.

If you did not know who the woman was, you would have thought her a normal, kind, strong, and energetic person.

The reality is that Jenny Wolpert is the mother of a girl who committed suicide last October and faced the dark tragedy by being a part of the acoustic benefit Love, Be Loved, Grow concert celebrating Grayson’s life which was held Sept. 18.

Wolpert began her speech, though unrehearsed and unwritten, like she had been thinking of the words since before the day began. She expressed to the crowd her want for the world to change and for this event to never happen again to another family.

“I just want to make a point to all of you to be there for each other. Everyone is broken in some way,” she said, tears building in her eyes, expressing her own struggles, “I’m trying. I’m broken, and I make mistakes. But I’m trying and that might be enough for all of us to get through.”

This scene, unfortunately, is well known to many families across the world.

Bri Brinkman, an 18-year old exercise science major at Moorpark, attended the event and voiced her opinion regarding suicide.

“I don’t think suicide is ever the right answer,” said “There’s always help someone can get. If someone is going to commit suicide they don’t realize how many people love them and how many people it will effect.”

Kaitlyn Suveg, one of the representatives of the non-profit organization To Write Love On Her Arms who attended the event, also expressed her own concerns for the rate in suicides.

“These issues are not American issues, not emo issues. They’re not what we tie them to, stereotypically. We want everyone to be aware of the hurts and pains people struggle with everywhere,” says Suveg ,who came with the group of representatives after talking to Wolpert at a conference that spurred her involvement with the organization about a year ago.

The concert was put together by three girls, only one of which personally knew Grayson Wolpert. Elizabeth Mcgrane, 17, alongside Chloe France, also 17, came together to talk with Wolpert’s mother about having a benefit with To Write Love on Her Arms.

“We have so much talent in Agoura, and we thought with a concert we could hit the ground running,” Mcgrane said. “We’re so supportive here. When something like this happens, we can ban together with the community and talk about it.”

To raise money for the family, shirts were sold carrying the logo, “Love, Be Loved, Grow.” To Write Love On Her Arms also sold merchandise and all proceeds from the concert went to the organization as well.

Music fans who attended the event were drawn in by the concert’s effect on people with depression. Peter Strand, an 18-year-old film major at Moorpark, explained the importance of music.

“Events like this really raise awareness about suicide not only in the words they say, but the music they play,” said Strand. “It can really get to you. In it’s own way, music can save a life.”

Though 16 total artists performed, one drew a lot of attention in particular. Martin Johnson, the lead singer of Boys Like Girls, sang a few songs, including “Go” written about his own friend who committed suicide.

Johnson has been involved with To Write Love On Her Arms for a few years now and can only express his desire to continue spreading the word.

“My life has a lot of dramatic turns. If there’s anything I can do to be of service, I will,” said Johnson, who is concerned about the time we live in. “Kids hide behind their computers, cell phones, and texts now. They forget that typing can be as hurtful as words.”

This problem seems to be on a lot of people’s minds as Chloe Grabanski, another representative of To Write Love On Her Arms, also expressed that technology might be a contribution to the number of suicides.

“We’re such a technological time, how often do we just talk to someone? ‘How are you doing?’ is our new hello,” Grabanski explained, “We could walk right past someone and they could say, ‘I’m doing terrible’ but would we even notice or know what to do?”

Many are trying to fight this sudden lack of disregard for the people around us. Most believe that reaching out to others could be the cure to this “sudden epidemic,” as Wolpert described.

To Write Love On Her Arms is one of the few organizations that is leading the battle against depression, suicide, addiction, and self-mutilation.

With their efforts, they have help fund treatment for people struggling, and have dedicated to informing others about these issues.

Kelley Klezek, 17, the third girl involved with setting up the concert believes that in light of the events happening, the human race needs to remember one thing when dealing with each other.

“Be nice, send love to each other,” Klezek said, “This concert isn’t pinpointing anyone. Depression stretches out. We’re trying to make the world better.”

The thought-stirring statement that Wolpert expressed in her speech may be on the minds of everyone who has experienced such a tragedy.

“We can’t let this happen again,” said Wolpert. “The silence surrounding it must be broken.”

If you or anyone you know is considering suicide, battling depression, addiction, self-mutilation, or would like to know more about any of these issues please go to www.twloha.com.