01/31/2026
Guest Post from Lauren Raguzin, Director of Marketing and Communications
Yesterday, we wrapped up a 2 1/2 week Social Media Su***de Awareness and Prevention and I wanted to share how deeply personal and how it healed my "own heart."
I want to honor an extraordinary human being Alex Dane Lockley his bravery, vulnerability is not ONLY inspiring but I'm in awe of HIM!
I have been a Board Member, Director of Marketing and Comms since Oct 2024, and six months ago, I met Alex through our shared board service with NAMI Johnston County, NC, Inc.
He is Director of Su***de Awareness and Prevention, but that title barely scratches the surface of who he is.
Back in September 2025, Alex and I spent an hour and a half on the phone. He shared his story — one he now tells openly so others might live and not feel alone!!
Then in November he and our President Richard Anthony Callahan came to my home, and we filmed over 30 video interviews, I used my IPad.
Alex attempted death by su***de twice — the first time on his 22nd birthday, and the second time five years later.
He was horribly bullied in grammar school to the point he would come home with black eyes, marks on his neck from chokeholds it went on for years.
His parents did everything to stop it with no success, that bullying later turned into intense depression in his 20’s
Today, Alex is 34, newly married, and living his life with purpose and joy.
We concluded the 25-part social media campaign yesterday focused on su***de awareness and prevention.
The short, bite-sized format was intentional — stories like Alex’s deserved to be heard fully, not rushed or skipped.
I was deliberate in how this campaign was built — from the cover slides to key takeaways, and quotes pulled directly from Alex’s words.
I needed to listen carefully to ensure his voice, tone, and truth were honored.
I’ve done many things in my career that I’m proud of.
I’ve served as a spokesperson during one of the most high-profile moments in U.S. history.
I’ve placed major cover stories in Fortune, Forbes, Fast Company when I did PR
I’ve led global summits, women’s conferences, launched sponsorships, and led programs that helped children who had nothing so they could start school with dignity.
I’m proud of all of it.
But without hesitation, this campaign is the proudest accomplishment of my career. Yes more so than being a published author too.
And here’s why.
My best friend died by su***de in 2021
4 days before starting a new job and I was the last person to speak to her, yet I had no idea that would be my last conversation.
When I started that job, they hired people to work with me without me being involved just imagine the stress I was under after just losing my best friend.
It was brutal I cried every night for weeks.
For 5 years I carried guilt — knowing something was wrong but not calling the police because I didn’t want to cause her more trouble.
Alex’s story healed something in me.
During his second attempt, Alex describes hearing relentless voices telling him he was a loser and to kill himself, kill himself. And then — peace — because he had a plan.
That moment matters.
Because people who die by su***de aren’t always seeking death.
They’re seeking relief from pain so overwhelming it feels unbearable.
I knew a pain like that in 2018 when I was laid off (my first career layoff) I was in a clinical depression.
I had no idea.
I was lucky.
God flipped a switch in my head one day, 2 weeks before Christmas my favorite holiday and I was cured, but many are not so lucky.
So please hear this:
💙If someone has gone quiet — reach out.
💙If someone is struggling publicly — reach out.
💙If you see someone talking about eviction, job loss, or hopelessness — reach out.
💙If someone was just diagnosed with cancer pick up the phone
Today it's much easier to text, or message on messenger
People just don’t pick up the phone anymore and you know what-- that could just be what someone needs today and you could actually save their life.
Because often, it’s not about a job, the sickness— the grief
It’s about being seen, loved, valued, and cared for.
ALWAYS ALWAYS be KIND!
This isn’t an easy topic—I hope this message travels far beyond this PAGE
Please take the time to listen to his story it could save a life
Please share
And truly, Alex may God bless you, your wife and your family always and your coach what an incredible human being💙 I look forward to doing much more together!!
