DERBY — Sierra McQueen-Fowler is looking to break the stigma associated with suicide and raise money for its prevention.
She is hosting a clothing swap from noon-3 p.m. Saturday, March 29 at Forte Fitness in Southern Pines, with all proceeds going to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
McQueen-Fowler is no stranger to suicide, having lost her husband Jeremy in June of 2023.
“And that isn’t the first time that suicide has touched my life,” she said, adding that she previously lost a cousin in 2018, a classmate in 2017, and others whom she didn’t mention because their families don’t want to be associated.
“Which is unfortunate because we’ve got to break the stigma, we’ve got to be able to talk about it,” she said. “Because mental health is huge.”
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
“The statistics for suicide are terrible and, obviously, we want more awareness, more help for mental health because that’s … a key factor in everything,” McQueen-Fowler said, suggesting those with depression seek help from a pastor, doctor or therapist. “We’ve got to break the stigma that therapy’s bad…There’s somebody that you can talk to.”
“Unfortunately, more and more people are touched by this type of death and it leaves you feeling helpless,” she continued, adding that those left behind wonder if they missed signs.
One of her friends, Ashley Williams, of Rockingham, has been participating in a suicide prevention walk for the past seven years since the two of them lost a mutual friend to suicide.
Williams will be making the 13-mile walk this summer in New York City — on what would have been Jeremy Fowler’s 40th birthday.
Walkers have to raise $1,000 for the foundation in order to participate, according to McQueen-Fowler, who added that Williams’ is trying to secure $2,000 this year and is about $500 away from her goal.
“As much money as I can raise is going toward her walk,” McQueen-Fowler said.
The idea for the clothing swap, she said, came from her love of clothes, shopping and being sustainable.
“This is a great way to raise money and clean out your closet and refresh your own closet, as well,” she said. This round will only feature clothes for men and women and all items will be $5 each.
“I’m trying to remind people, When you’re cleaning out your closet, is it something that you would pay $5 for when you donate it because it’s going to be for a good cause,” she said.
McQueen-Fowler said she has had several people donate “a lot of nice stuff,” including items that still have the tags attached.
Donors are asked to bring clothes on hangers or neatly folded in a bin by size.
There are several options for the swap, including a $25 donor pass: “You bring your clothes that you want to get rid of and then you get to choose as little or as much as you want from everybody else that’s brought clothes.”
That option will run from 11-11:45 a.m. so donors get first choice of everything available before the general public comes in at noon. Donors can register on the MindBody app or at fortefitnessgym.com.
In addition to the clothing swap, McQueen-Fowler will also have Black Fowlcan gear including hats, shirts and hoodies.
She said she is in the process of obtaining 501c3 nonprofit status for the organization, named in honor of her late husband and one of his friends whose death (not from suicide) affected him greatly.
Mobile bartender Cruzin’ For A Boozin’ will be on site selling mimosas and Salty Boards will have charcuterie cups.
Anyone wanting to donate clothes but not attend can contact McQueen-Fowler through Facebook Messenger or by texting 910-216-0306. Pick-ups will be accepted through March 27.
