WY We Care Survivors Campaign
Real Wyoming Stories
“Life is not always easy, but it is worth living.”- Will Wagner
Will shares his story as part of the WY We Care Survivors Campaign.
Meet Will
Will Wagner is a Wyoming native and electrician whose life was shaped by both hardship and resilience. His story reflects what it means to survive, rebuild, and continue forward even when life feels uncertain.
Will’s Story
My name is Will James Wagner, I am 31 years old, I was almost 23, forever. More on that, in a bit. I was born and raised in Jackson, WY, as a 7th generation Jacksonite.
I moved to Laramie for college, then stayed as I had gotten a job as an electrical apprentice. I was part way through my apprenticeship, when multiple things transpired and the “perfect storm” happened and I attempted to take my own life by firearm. Thankfully I survived due to my younger brother and the work of many amazing nurses and doctors and those who so graciously donate blood and plasma. I woke up in the hospital wanting to help others, and letting them know that there are people out there who have been in that same position and with help and talking about it, can come out on the other side. It’s not easy and sometimes it may not feel like it’s worth it. But it is - it is worth it!I continued my apprenticeship, took my journeyman’s exam, became a journeyman electrician, and four years later, I took my masters exam and passed. I would never have dreamed that I would be here today, it has taken a lot of counseling, being honest with myself and others, sometimes being selfish so that I take care of my own mental health, and medication prescribed thru my psychiatrist. If you do seek out counseling/therapy, remember, if they don’t fit you, or it doesn’t seem right, try someone else, you aren’t stuck with just one. Thanks for reading. I’m just here trying to bring light into people’s lives, physically and emotionally. It’s not easy every day but it is so rewarding.
Listen to The "One Minute Can Save a Life" Podcast with Will
The PROSPER Blog
Explore the PROSPER Blog for expert insights, practical tools, and evidence-based strategies in suicide prevention. Empower yourself with actionable information, risk management tools, and community-focused solutions to foster hope, connectedness, and healthier communities.
Wisdom From Suicide Attempt Survivors
Will Wagner
“Life is not always easy, but it is worth living.”
K.N.
“Keep breathing. Your life is worth fighting for.”
Shawn Moore
“I choose to stay, one day at a time.”
Carrie Bollock
“You are seen. You are valued. You are worth fighting for.”
Support Is Available
Call or text 988
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
You are not alone.
Help is available and it works.
You matter.
988lifeline.org
Community Support
Attributes
This campaign was built through community support, shared purpose, and the generosity of people who donated their time, creativity, and expertise to help bring these stories to life. It truly takes a village to change the conversation around suicide, and we are deeply grateful to the individuals and organizations who helped make this effort possible.
Campaign Lead
PROSPER Together
Suicide Prevention and Intervention Training Free for Wyoming Residents. In-person and virtual training sessions are funded through Governor Gordon’s WY We Care campaign.
https://www.prospertogether.net/events
Sponsors
Governor Mark Gordon - https://governor.wyo.gov/
Wyoming Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police (WASCOP) - https://www.wascop.com/
Yesco - a century-old family-owned business that specializes in crafting custom business signs, digital displays, and (billboards). yesco.com
Key Contributors
Strategic Communications: Julie Sun, Kindle Causes LLC - https://www.linkedin.com/in/
Photography: Astri Wee Photography - https://astriwee.com/
Creative Direction and Design: Paul Gormont, Apertures, Inc. - https://www.linkedin.com/in/
