My name is Linda Patterson and I am the chairperson for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention 4K Out of the Darkness Walk. I lost my son, Dale Alexander, 12 years ago when he was only 15. He was bipolar, had depression and because of this he had a drug addiction to stop the mental ups and downs. I am writing this hoping to get the word out to the community and to let others know to come out and join the walk on October 18, 2015. It is a day of comfort knowing no one is alone.
The community walk will be held at Hamilton Veterans Park. Registration will be at 8:30 am and the walk will begin at 10 a.m.
The Out of the Darkness Walk is a community event that has grown in only two years. Last year, 852 participants came out to walk in memory of a loved one that was lost to suicide. It is expected to even be larger this year. Many come out supporting their team while others come out knowing prevention of suicide is very much needed.
The participants know too well the stigma that has been formed from the word suicide. The word “suicide” signifies the way the person dies, but it is the mental illness that takes their life. Every 13 minutes in the U.S. a life is taken. It is the third leading cause of death between ages 15 to 24. Additionally, our military men and women are not getting the help they need and we are losing 22 lives a day because of it.
When participants come out for the walk they wear t-shirts with their loved ones, carry banners and wear a color bead around their neck to show the reason why they are there. There is a DJ and the Newark State Prison honor guard start the walk which is very inspiring to know that they are donating their own time. Also, a speaker will give information about what is happening with education and research.
To lighten up the day before the walk this year there will be a dance, the Cupid Shuffle, for everyone to participate. Even if half of the walkers dance, it will look amazing and will be largest group in Hamilton dancing at the same time.
AFSP is looking for sponsors that will help with the walk. Any donation is very much appreciated.
-Linda Patterson
