Organization for suicide prevention hosts ping-pong event

The Christopher A. Coluccio Foundation, a Bayport-Blue Point-based charity, held its annual Ping Pong for Positivity event on Saturday, April 20, at Danzi Athletic Center at St. Joseph’s University in Patchogue.

Teams of juniors (under 16) and adults were able to sign up for the ping-pong competition.

Refreshments, prizes, and raffles were also available for spectators.

The mission of the Christopher A. Coluccio Foundation is “to celebrate and memorialize Christopher’s spirit, serve and educate our community, support those struggling with mental health, depression, and thoughts of suicide, open lines of communication between parents and children about mental health, depression and suicide.”

The organization was started by Christopher Coluccio’s parents after his death at the age of 14 in 2021 by suicide when he was struck by a Long Island Rail Road train between Sayville and Bayport.

“After the devastating loss of Christopher, we were surrounded by an amazing support system of friends, family, and even strangers who banded together as a community for us,” said father, Christopher. “During this, we wanted to ensure that others felt the same love and support that we have in their struggles. No one should navigate this sorrow in isolation. Our heartfelt mission is to extend understanding and support to those touched by suicide, creating spaces for profound connections. Through these connections, we aim to break down the barriers of stigma surrounding mental health, hoping to bring solace and, ultimately, prevent the heartbreaking loss of lives to suicide.”

Christopher was known to have a love for karate, “Star Wars,” ping-pong, LEGOs, and his two dogs named Obi and Luke.

On the foundation page’s mission statement, it reads, “There is so much of Christopher’s story that needs to be told and the Foundation is a way we can ensure his candle burns brightly into the night.  Our message is to all those who might be struggling just the same and to remind them—you are not alone! Our goal is to find ways to hold on to hope and to be a source of hope for others.”