Out of the Darkness

In the United States, a person dies by suicide every 13.7 minutes, claiming more than 38,000 lives each year. It is estimated that an attempt is made every minute; with close to one million people attempting suicide annually. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. among adults. All of us are affected by suicide. Whether you know it or not, someone close to you has probably thought about suicide or even attempted it. I never thought that I would be a victim of this tragic killer.

Last year, my father committed suicide. It was sad. It was difficult. It was hard for everyone to accept. It made us angry. But there is nothing I can do to change it. No one is to blame. My dad could not be saved, but that doesn't mean that someone else who is struggling can't be. Which is why we are walking.

Our family and friends are joining us in a walk to save lives. Out of the Darkness is a community walk that benefits the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The walk funds research aimed at improving our understanding of suicide and ways to prevent it, as well as educational programs to increase awareness about prevention, warning signs and the psychiatric illnesses that can lead to suicide. It also serves as an event for family and friends to be able to honor the memory of the loved ones they have lost to suicide.

We will be walking on October 12th at the Jacksonville Landing in memory of my dad. If you want to visit our team page or register to join us for the walk, click here: "The Rock". If you are interested in supporting our team with a donation, you can sponsor me by clicking here: Sponsor Me.

I can't wait for this event and I am so thankful for the family and friends that will be joining us and supporting me on this special day.