Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/895657
32 November 2 • 2017 jn W hen Gail Urso accepted an invitation from friends Linda and Bob Finkel for a screening of local psychologist and filmmaker Judith Burdick's documen- tary Transforming Loss, she had no idea how important the film would soon become. Gail and her husband, John, left the Berman Center on that evening in 2013 inspired by the real-life stories of survi- vors who had experienced horrific losses and trans- formed their grief into wor- thy causes that benefited those in need. Three weeks later, the Ursos received the devas- tating news that their son, Kevin, who lived in Florida, had taken his life at the age of 41. Once the shock began to wear off, Gail began to think about the film and its message of hope. "I remembered that film, and it was so helpful to me because I realized all those people who had come through those horrible trag- edies had come through, and it gave me strength," she said. As the Ursos, who live in Grosse Pointe, began to learn more about sui- cide, they discovered many resources but no clear path for navigating the maze of available information. "It became clear that we wanted to do something," Urso said. "We decided to start an organization so we could share the information that was out there and educate people in a way we had not been educated." They developed a plan to create Kevin's Song, an organization that would include an annual conference, a film and a comprehensive website that would serve as a resource for those in need of information about suicide. The next step was to recruit a board of directors, which included longtime friends and Bloomfield Hills residents Linda and Bob Finkel. The Finkels introduced Gail and John to Temple Beth El Rabbi Emeritus Daniel Syme, an advocate for suicide prevention since his brother's death by suicide more than 40 years ago, and the founder of the Jewish Family Service pro- gram, A Single Soul Suicide Prevention Initiative. "He was wonderful," Urso said. "He's so dedicated to this cause. He thought it [Kevin's Song] was great, that there was a great need. He's continued to be a great source of support." Syme put the Ursos in touch with filmmaker and former celebrity chef Keith Famie, who helped create Death is Not the Answer, which debuted at the first annual conference of Kevin's Song. Syme appears in the film, along with the Ursos. This year, multiple award-winning singer/song- writer Judy Collins, who lost a son to suicide, will perform a concert and serve as the keynote speaker at the annual Kevin's Song conference, which takes place Nov. 9-11 at The Inn at St. John's in Plymouth. In addition to a screen- ing of The S Word, a documentary directed by Detroit native Lisa Klein, the conference will include presenta- tions by a variety of local and national experts in various aspects of suicide prevention, including mental health research, psychology, medicine, work- place concerns and veterans' issues. Continuing education credits are available. For a complete schedule and regis- tration information, visit kevinssong. org/conference. A special conference app for smartphones, tablets and lap- tops is also available. • The late Kevin Urso jews d in the Kevin's Song Judy Collins performs at annual suicide prevention conference. Judy Collins John and Gail Urso 248.425.6000 jeff@jeffbarkerhomes.com www.jeffbarkerhomes.com 275 S. Old Woodward Ave, Birmingham, MI 48009 JEFF & MATT BARKER Associate Brokers 111 Willits St, Unit #501 ~ Birmingham Penthouse Two-Story, Corner Unit. 24 HR Doorman. In-Unit Elevator. 3,553 SF. Two Terraces. Three Parking Spots. $2,495,000 846 Redding Rd ~ Quarton Lake Estates 4 BR, 4.2 BA, 4,346 SF, 1st Floor Master, 250' Deep Lot, 3 Car Gar, Birmingham Schools. $1,100,000 2009 Hazel St ~ Birmingham Townhouse Three-Story, Live & Work Space. High End Finishes. 3,576 SF, 3 BR, 3.2 BA, 2 Car Garage. $749,900 1151 Greensted Way ~ The Hills of Lone Pine Detached Ranch Condo. 24 HR Gated Community. 2,418 SF, 4 BR, 3.1 BA, Daylight LL, 3 Car Gar. $749,900 #&%%! $-'("%%#." Detached, 1st Floor Master Condo. Built 2003. 2,814 SF, 4 BR, 3.1 BA, Daylight LL, 3 Car Garage. $469,900 NEW LISTING RONELLE GRIER CONTRIBUTING WRITER