Cos4Hope began as #CosplayForACause within local cosplay communities to encourage volunteering in costume for suicide prevention walks. Early support and participant reactions inspired independent research focused on Cosplay as a Coping Mechanism, and how being part of a Fandom or Fandom Family may be beneficial to mental health. The team hosted Mental Health panels at local Comicons to discuss their research.

During this time, the team began to realize that Con-goers were often overlooked and that Coplay was hugely misunderstood. The S in coSplay, to the team, became a beacon of Hope and the foundation of a geek support group affectionately known as Cosplay for Hope.

Cosplay for Hope made their first public appearance as geek support in 2018 with a hand-drawn logo and a mission to reach those within their cosmunity/conmunity. The small team helped at various conventions and walks in 2018, culminating with their first HopeCon + Walk.

Early donors generously gave to the support team, which fostered the growth and development of geek-centric mental wellness and suicide prevention events, convention panel presentations, and appearances.

Torches On! A World Suicide Prevention Day Event was created for geeks who lose a loved one to suicide or struggle with mental health themselves. On September 10th, geeks are invited to find a torch, lamp, lantern, or even a candle to help light the way on their journey through loss or personal mental health struggle.

Lightsabers, Lanterns & Lumos is an annual in-person event honoring lives lost to suicide. This event is held on International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day and is a light vigil. Geeks may bring their lightsaber, lantern, lighted wand, sonic screwdriver, Pokéball, orb, tesseract, or other lighted prop to light in remembrance of those lost to suicide.

On February 4, 2022, Cosplay For Hope reformed as Cos4Hope an up-and-coming educational non-profit organization focused on mental wellness and suicide prevention for Geeks by Geeks. Organization members and supporters believe that a bit of Geek exists in everyone. While the logo is new – the S remains.

After all, it IS a beacon of Hope.

Cos4Hope’s employer identification number (EIN) is 92-3390096. The IRS determination letter granting 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status is available upon request. To learn about upcoming events, become a volunteer, or make an online donation, visit Cos4Hope.org.

For more information, contact info@Cos4Hope.org

Cos4Hope

Inspiring Hope 4 Mental Wellness & Suicide Prevention through support, education, research, and resource facilitation.

'25 HopeCon + Walk New

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