National Self Injury Awareness Day was March 1, and this year was the first time that JC participated by having students write “love” on their arms. The day was labeled as “a day of love,” according to Greig.

“When I was about twelve, a friend of mine revealed to me that she had been cutting for about three years. She told me that she was in recovery, but this one online organization called To Write Love On Her Arms had really given her the inspiration she needed to get back on her feet with the whole situation,” said sophomore Megan Greig. Since the day Greig learned about her friend, she has been striving to help others with self-injury problems.

“People really pulled in at the last minute to get things to work, and, before we knew it, we had a table, a box full of donuts, and a line of people wanting to join the cause,” Greig said.

It is important for Grieg to get the word out to those who are currently injuring themselves. “I know that, in most cases, people who suffer through self-injury suffer in silence. That’s why it continues on for so long for so many people,” Greig said.

She planned the day to show those who are silently suffering that help is out there and that people want to listen to them.

Many students supported the cause by writing love on their arms and agreed with the idea of helping those suffering from self-injury.

“It was nice to see so many people supporting the Respect Life Club,” junior Rene L’Altrelli said.

“I can’t bear the thought that anyone would be in so much agony that they were driven to hurting themselves. I want them to know that I support their recovery,” sophomore Jessica Clingerman said.

“I wanted to spread awareness about an issue that affects so many people our age,” junior Allison Sanphillipo said.

Greig is pleased with the outcome of the day and hopes to continue participating as a school community each year. “I felt like the message was really well received, this being the first year and everything. I’m very proud of having reached so many people in one day. I feel like it really made a difference,” Greig said.

Ashley Beyer is a Lifestyles Editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.