MESA, Ariz. -- It's a sad statistic, and one that hits close to home for thousands across the Valley. Every 16 minutes someone in the U.S. commits suicide.

Those who have lost loved ones to suicide come together the third Saturday each November. They share stories, memories, and grief, as they try to move forward from such a devastating loss.

Dawn Hunter's son committed suicide. "As a survivor you always ask yourself why? What could I have done different? How does this happen?" Hunter said.

These are questions that cross Hunter's mind every day. Her 19-year-old son Justin committed suicide nearly two years ago.

"Everything I knew before Jan. 12, 2008, no longer exists, and so I just work putting back together a new normal for me and my family," Hunter said.

Normal now includes heading up a suicide survivors group in the Valley. "I think the biggest thing is understanding that I'm not alone, that although I'm only one person I can make a difference," said Hunter.

She joined thousands of people across the country Saturday, honoring the memories of those who took their own lives. She says having people who understand helps. "I'm not saying there weren't times I needed to grieve and have those hard times."

But Hunter knows no matter how many hugs she gives, how many times she talks about it, Justin isn't coming back. So she does what she can to make sure something good can come of this tragic situation.

This is the 11th year survivors of suicide have come together like this.