Thursday, March 5, 2009

Out of the Darkness Overnight




A few weeks ago, I heard a commercial on the radio for an overnight walk to raise awareness for suicide prevention. I thought about it for about half a second and knew that I had to be a part of this.

You see, every member of my family is a survivor of suicide. Over twenty years ago, my cousin Joey died by suicide, and my cousin Christopher died only a few months ago, in November. I think of my Aunt Tess and my Aunt Dorothy and think that whatever I can do to prevent another mother from living their pain is still too little.

So you know me; I decided to do the walk. It's what I do -- put myself through a grueling couple of days in order to help when I feel helpless.

The Out of the Darkness Overnight Experience is a 20-mile walk over the course of one night. Net proceeds benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, funding research, education, and awareness programs – both to prevent suicide and to assist those affected by suicide.



I'm pledged to raise at least $1000, so any amount that you're willing to give will be a big help. The website makes it easy to donate. By supporting this foundation, you're supporting research that helps us understand suicide and helps with prevention. You're paying for education for professionals so they know better how to spot warning signs. You're paying for publicity for a cause so that people don't need to be ashamed to seek help for depression. You're paying for survivor counseling, because suicide never claims only one victim. It claims a whole family.

You can visit my donor page by visiting the link below:

http://www.theovernight.org/?fuseaction=extranet.personalpage&confirmid=10013177