Suicide Survivor Brings Hope to Spokane Valley Schools

Krystal Allison remembers the exact day she almost ended her life at age 15. Today, she's grateful that a last-minute schedule change saved her, because now she gets to help kids who feel the same hopelessness she once did.

The Spokane Valley mother volunteers with Light A Lamp, a nonprofit that runs mental health and suicide prevention programs in local schools. Her mission is simple: reach children before depression and anxiety steal their hope.

Krystal's struggles started early. At just 8 years old, family trauma and her father leaving made her feel like a burden to everyone around her.

"I let my depression and my suicidal thoughts get the best of me," Krystal said about that day at 15. "If it wasn't for a fluke in my schedule, I wouldn't be here today."

Now she visits classrooms through Light A Lamp's Project Lift Up program, founded by Angella Southerly. When students hear Krystal's story, they see proof that dark feelings don't have to be forever.

"I get to tell my story and help these kids who feel like they can't talk to other people," Krystal said. She reminds them that asking for help isn't burdening others—it's brave.

Krystal also teaches students about kindness, since she was bullied during her hardest years. You never know what someone is struggling with behind their smile.

The Ripple Effect

Krystal's willingness to share her painful past is creating waves of hope across Spokane schools. Students who might have suffered in silence now know there are people who understand and resources that help.

Light A Lamp's Amplify Hope event this Saturday brings the community together with live music, local bands, and behavioral health partners. The first band features students from Mead High School, proving young people are leading the conversation about mental health.

For just $10, attendees get a full day of activities, all designed to break down the stigma around mental health struggles. Golden lanterns hidden on the nonprofit's website even offer free admission to lucky visitors.

"I wonder sometimes if something like this would have made my life more of a childhood, rather than just survival mode," Krystal reflected. But she wouldn't change her past now, because it brought her to this work.

Today, Krystal gets to be the person she desperately needed as a struggling teen. She shares life with her own kids and reminds other children they are seen, they matter, and they are never alone.

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