Hello Everyone,
It has been a while since I have shared on here, and normally only do so when it is something truly important to me. As many of you may remember, in 2011 I participated in a fundraiser for Suicide Prevention called the Out of the Darkness Overnight. I raised over $1000.00 for this cause.
This year I will be walking in Philadelphia for another 18 miles from sundown to sunrise to bring Suicide and Mental Illness out of the Darkness and into the Light where we can fight the stigma.
So why is it so important for me to particpate in this walk?
Because I have survived a suicide attempt, and struggle with depression and self injury.
Because it affects someone in my life whom I love very much.
Because I have watched as friends and family have lost special people in their lives…Six lives lost since this year began.
Because I know what it feels like to be afraid to ask for help, until it is too late.
In my community, in my workplace and even my home I know what it feels like to have to cover up the ugly parts and put on a brave face because others just do not understand mental illness and they will judge. I have experienced the pain of feeling outcasted because of the things that I struggled with, and those feelings were what lead me to contemplate suicide in the first place.
I walk for every life that has been lost. Because I believe we can learn from their stories and make sure it does not happen to another family.
I walk for the families who grieve, because I believe there is strength in numbers and we can fight to make a change.
I walk for those like who struggle like myself. Because everyone deserves to feel that they are not alone, no matter how dark what they are facing seems.
I walk for my own recovery, to remind myself that I am here for something greater. My passion lies in fighting mental illness.
I will be traveling to Philadelphia by myself, but I know that once I arrive I will not be alone, because so many others are joined in this fight with me.
Every dollar raised helps the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention:
Fund scientific research
Offer educational programs for professionals
Educate the public about mood disorders and suicide prevention
Promote policies and legislation that impact suicide and prevention
Provide programs and resources for survivors of suicide loss and people at risk, and involve them in the work of the Foundation
Please Take a moment and connect with my page. Any small donation will mean the world to me. Every dollar makes a difference.