You Are Loved: Starr’s Message Carries Through Fort Smith Walk for Youth Mental Health – Resident News Network

On a quiet stretch of roadway, step by step, Chad Starr continues a journey shaped by loss—but driven by purpose.
Across his back, in bold white letters against blue fabric, are three simple words: You Are Loved.
For Starr, those words are more than a message. They are a promise.
In 2019, Starr lost his 12-year-old daughter, Sienna, to suicide. In the years since, he has transformed that grief into action—walking hundreds of miles to share her story and spread a message of hope, resilience, and connection.
That mission brought him to Fort Smith this month.
Starr arrived in Fort Smith on March 10, where he met with leaders at the Hamilton Center for Child Advocacy ahead of the two-day event. The visit helped lay the groundwork for a partnership focused on raising awareness and supporting youth mental health services in the region.
On March 14 and 15, Starr completed a 40-mile walk around the perimeter of Fort Smith, averaging approximately 20 miles each day. Community members were invited to join him for any portion of the route—whether a single mile or the full distance.
Some walked beside him. Others offered encouragement, shared stories, or followed along online.
What began as one father’s way of coping has grown into a shared experience—one rooted in visibility, conversation, and connection.
Starr’s journey began as something deeply personal. Over time, it evolved into a mission that has taken him across long distances, including multiple walks around the perimeter of Oahu in Hawaii.
Each step is taken in honor of Sienna.
Each mile carries a message meant for someone who may be silently struggling.
“I want people to know they matter,” Starr has said. “That they’re seen. That they’re loved.”
Through his partnership with the Hamilton Center for Child Advocacy, Starr’s Fort Smith walk also highlighted the ongoing need for resources supporting children and teens facing trauma, abuse, depression, and suicidal thoughts.
Advocates emphasize that awareness is critical—and that simple conversations can save lives.
By walking, Starr brings visibility to an issue that often remains hidden. By sharing his story, he creates space for others to speak.
Every step becomes part of a larger effort: reminding young people they are not alone.
Images and updates from the walk circulated throughout the weekend, showing Starr moving steadily through Fort Smith—sometimes alone, sometimes joined by supporters.
While the miles are behind him, the message continues.
On social media, Starr continues to write to his daughter—words that remain raw, honest, and deeply personal.
“You are loved… especially you, Sienna.”
For Starr, grief is not something to overcome. It is something to carry—and through carrying it, he has created a path for others.
From Hawaii’s coastlines to Arkansas roadways, that path remains steady.
And so does the message:
You are loved.
You matter.
And no one has to walk alone.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, for free, confidential support 24/7.
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