Ben Smitherman, a 27-year old father of two, enjoyed going to the rodeo ever since his mother Becky Smitherman took him to his first rodeo in Montgomery when he was three-years old.

The rodeo was always a bonding experience the entire Smitherman family enjoyed, so Becky wanted to honor her son’s memory with something she knew he would love.

“His passion was bull riding,” Becky said. “I thought what better way to bring awareness to suicide prevention, because there is such a stigma when suicide is concerned.”

Ben committed suicide April 27, 2014, just three days after his 27th birthday.

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, and there were more than 44,000 suicides, according to a 2015 CDC study.

Suicide prevention is an important mental health discussion that Becky is committed to spreading awareness about, and she has organized the third annual Ben Smitherman Memorial Suicide Prevention Bullriding rodeo Saturday at the Dallas County Horse Arena located on 3269 Dallas County Road 65 at 7 p.m. in order to help spread that message.

Suicide can be an uncomfortable subject for people to grasp and discuss, and often negative stigmas become associated with it.

Becky wants to open up the discussion about suicide prevention, and make people aware that there are resources available to those who need help.

“People’s perception of suicide is that the person was weak, selfish and a coward,” she said. “Nothing is further from the truth. What people don’t understand is that when someone gets to that point they’re not wanting to take their life, they’re wanting to stop the pain.”

Depression is the most common condition associated with suicide, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, but there is a multitude of factors and warning signs that are linked with suicide as well.

“There are so many factors in suicide that people just don’t realize,” Becky said. “It used to be such a hushed topic. It was taboo to even talk about it.”

Becky’s goal is to have a representative from the Alabama chapter of the Suicide Prevention organization come to the rodeo to speak about the issue.

“We try to share information about suicide, and let people know that help is available,” she said.

Even though the message is serious, the rodeo will be a day of fun for all who attend. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages six through 12 and free for kids five and under.

Half of the proceeds will be donated to suicide prevention, and the other half will be donated to Ben’s 10-year old son Brandon Smitherman and his five-year old daughter McKenzee Parrish.

The rodeo has 12 contestants so far competing for prize money, $1000 in added money and a prize belt buckle. There will also be Mutton Bustin, where young riders ride on sheep, and BZ mini bulls for riders less than 100 pounds.

There is a $65 entry fee for those interested in competing. For more information, contact Becky at (251) 275-5347.

“Bring your family out and have a good time,” Becky said. “Keep Ben’s memory alive and bring awareness to suicide prevention.”