Emma Benoit is a Louisiana native who was paralyzed by a suicide attempt when she was 16 years old. The experience propelled her on a mission to use her painful experience to help others find hope and stay alive.

My Ascension is a feature length documentary that highlights Emma’s inspiring journey, as she works to bring Hope Squad, a school-based suicide prevention program, to Louisiana. The film also shares the stories of two remarkable young people who tragically did not survive their attempts. We learn first-hand from their families, friends, school officials and suicide prevention experts about the devastating effects of suicide and what can be done to prevent it.

Cuyuna Regional Medical Center (CRMC), Smiles for Jake, and Wings of Hope came together to bring Emma to Minnesota on two occasions, in February and September 2022. We partnered with area schools and community leaders in Milaca, Pillager, Crosby-Ironton, Aitkin, and Brainerd and invited area students to watch the film and participate in an interactive panel discussion. Miss Benoit, medical professionals from CRMC, and advocates from Smiles for Jake participated on the panel and provided resources and support for the thousands of youth and adults that attended these sessions.

Emma’s visit were supported, in part, by a grant from Sourcewell. Thank you!

For more information about Emma and the film, visit www.myascension.us.