Memorial Wall Planned to Honour Loved Ones and Raise Suicide Awareness

The third annual Addison Kelly Butterfly 5K Walk/Run takes place on Saturday, 1 February at Camana Bay, and this year a temporary memorial wall will be placed at the event’s start/finish line to remember, honour and celebrate the lives of those who died by suicide as well as raise suicide awareness.

The Addison Kelly Butterfly 5K was created by Addison’s family after she died by suicide in February 2022 at the age of 16. All proceeds from registrations and donations go to the Addison Kelly Mental Health Education Fund which aims to increase education and awareness of mental health issues and illnesses in the Cayman Islands by offering academic scholarships to postgraduate students and training programmes to the community at large.

The idea for a memorial wall came from Rhonda Kelly, Addison’s mother, who hopes that it will serve as a powerful and meaningful tribute to the lives of those who have passed away, as well as foster healing, awareness, and connection within the community.

“We believe that our loved ones should not be remembered for how they passed, but for the lives they lived, the love they gave, and the impact they had on others. The opportunity to have their names memorialised on a wall validates their existence and acknowledges the grief of their loved ones,” said Ms. Kelly. “The intention is for this wall to provide a temporary physical space where persons can gather, reflect, and find solace and be reminded that they are not alone in their journey of healing.”

Twenty-six (26) names have been submitted for placement on the wall which will be a free-standing structure built and donated by Arch & Godfrey (Cayman) Ltd. The wooden tiles are being hand painted by Caymanian artist Kara Julian with direction and inspiration from the families of the loved ones. Submissions were accepted from those who have lost a loved one to suicide here in Cayman, or persons who live here and have lost someone outside of Cayman.

“I hope the memorial wall will spark important conversations about mental health, breaking down barriers of shame and encouraging people to prioritise mental health awareness and support. For the short time that it is erected, we want it to be a tangible representation of love, remembrance, and a commitment to addressing the challenges of mental health with compassion and understanding,” added Ms. Kelly.

The wall will be located near the stairs of the observation tower at Camana Bay from 24 January and removed shortly after the Addison Kelly Butterfly 5K. The tiles will then be given to the families of the loved ones.

Online registration for the Addison Kelly Butterfly 5k Walk/Run is open until 29 January at https://haku.ly/84e7af20f2 . Persons can also register in person at Camana Bay near the observation tower on Thursday, 30 January (4pm to 7pm), Friday, 31 January (9am to 6pm) and in person on the day of the race. Shirts are guaranteed for the first 1200 participants. Registration is $30 per person and includes a shirt (while supplies last), bib and medal.

Applications for the Addison Kelly scholarship are now being accepted for studies commencing in fall 2025. The scholarship is open to Caymanians ages 20 to 35 who possess an undergraduate degree and are seeking to pursue further education in the fields of psychology, psychiatry or psychotherapy. The scholarship is administered through the Alex Panton Foundation with support from Addi’s family and offers CI$25,000 per annum for up to four years. It is awarded every two years (biennially) and recipients must return to work in Cayman for the number of years for which the scholarship was given.

For more information about the scholarship visit https://alexpantonfoundation.ky/addison-kelly-mental-health-education-fund/ , call 329-4480 or email rhonda@kellyholding.com .