Speaker to tell story of harming and healing

To Write Love on Her Arms symbolizes hope for thousands battling depression in more than 100 countries.

Founded in Orlando by Jamie Tworkowski in the spring of 2006, TWLOHA began as a story and a way to help a friend pay for treatment. It has grown into an internationally-recognized movement.

Tworkowski will speak to students on Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. in the Student Union's Cape Florida Ballroom.

Ellen Kessler, speaker director for the Campus Activities Board, said that the CAB decided to bring Tworkowski to UCF because of the impact that he has had on our generation.

Tworkowski is a positive role model who encourages us to help each other and have the hope to recover from difficulties we may have in our lives, Kessler said.

Untreated depression is the No. 1 cause of suicide, and suicide is the third-leading cause of death among teenagers, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

This non-profit movement is dedicated to illuminating hope and treatment to people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide.

After the speech, there will be a question and answer session as well as a meet and greet with Tworkowski. There will also be music by Damion Suomi during the event.

"The greatest hope is that the speaker will bring positivity to students' lives, whether it's motivating them to do something good for themselves or others," Kessler said.

Kelly Riordan, a senior communication sciences and disorders major and secretary of the TWLOHA club, has been personally impacted by TWLOHA and Tworkowski.

"Finding TWLOHA gave me inspiration, told me I wasn't alone and that there were people out there who cared and who knew what I was going through," Riordan said.

Although not a registered student organization, the TWLOHA club has many members that are eager to meet Tworkowski and hear him speak about the organization.

"I respect Jamie and To Write Love on Her Arms, and I support everything that it stands for," said Jennifer Ostrander, a junior marketing major and vice president of the TWLOHA club. "Jamie is a very charismatic and inspirational speaker, and he talks about issues that are often kept in the dark."

Tworkowski's story will be told on the big screen later this year in addition to his success as a speaker.

The movie, titled Renee, was filmed in Orlando, and lists stars such as Chad Michael Murray and Kat Dennings.

The plot is based on the TWLOHA movement and how the whole venture began in Orlando in order to help a woman suffering from drug and alcohol addicction, as well as self-injury. The film is currently in post-production with a set release date for 2012.

According to the TWLOHA website, it's estimated in the United States alone that 19 million people live with depression. TWLOHA wants to continue to spread the word that those suffering are not alone and that depression is treatable.

"I am now being treated for my anxiety and depression and have found community and love through TWLOHA and a few other campus groups," Riordan said. "I haven't relapsed into any kind of self-harm in about a year."

To find out more about the event, search for An Evening with To Write Love on Her Arms on Facebook and for more information about TWLOHA, visit http://www.twloha.com.