A Lynbrook woman with ‘Hope & Courage’

Mary Gallagher, 45, of Lynbrook, whose husband GySgt. James Gallagher, USMC, lost his life to suicide on May 23 2006 — just eight months after returning home from combat tour — received a Hope & Courage award for her role as a spokesperson and program coordinator for families of the fallen.

The award was presented at the Got Heart, Give Hope Gala held April 22 at Union Station in Washington, D.C.

The Got Heart, Give Hope Gala is presented by Hope For The Warriors®, a national nonprofit that supports combat-injured service members, their families and families of the fallen.

“Recipients of the Hope & Courage awards have all engaged in selfless acts of service to our nation, then gone on to demonstrate extraordinary courage in the face of difficult circumstances,” says Robin Kelleher, president of Hope For The Warriors®. “Mary’s courageous desire to raise awareness about combat stress and suicide honors her husband’s memory.”

“Hope For The Warriors came into my life May of 2009, “said Gallagher, “three years, almost to the date of Jim’s death. They found me.”

Gallagher has taken the grief of losing her husband and turned in into action to help other families. Along with her work with Hope For The Warriors®, Mary is also a facilitator for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, works extensively with Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, and the Department of Defense Task Force on suicide prevention. She also took part in creating the Suicide Prevention video for the Marine Corps.

“It is important to acknowledge that even though Sgt. Gallagher did not die in combat, his suicide is definitely combat related,” said Tina Atherall, executive vice president of Hope For The Warriors®.

All proceeds from the gala will benefit Hope For The Warriors®, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for U.S. Service Members and their families who have been adversely affected by injuries or death in the line of duty. For more information about the organization, visit www.hopeforthewarriors.org.

Mother and daughter featured on Sesame Street DVD