The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Out of the Darkness Walks began in 2004 and have reached cities across the country. They are designed to help support those who have been affected by suicide, raise awareness and much needed funds, and ultimately promote that suicide is preventable. The goal is to show that no one is ever alone. These walks are actually how many people first get involved with the organization. They are such amazing events filled with love. While there is always a somber atmosphere given what the event is based on, it provides an outlet for individuals dealing with equal hardships to come together and receive support from their community.
It is also important to remember those that we have lost and love and keep their memory alive. The AFSP Out of the Darkness Walks offer this in beautiful ways. One incredibly moving way is through paper butterflies the decorate the perimeter of the AFSP tent. Each butterfly is custom made and designed for an individual who we have lost. It’s such a simple product, but it has immeasurable weight behind it.
Even though the weather during this year’s walk was less than pleasant to say the least, that didn’t stop the crowd from coming to get involved and walk. WDHA’s Terrie Carr walked with Team Rock n Ruff for the full mile and a half. A Team Rock n Ruff member who had lost someone they love approached Terrie at the start of the walk asking to hold her hand throughout the mile and a half to help get him through it. It was a very difficult day for him with a flood of emotions and he just needed some additional support to help, and Terrie was more than willing to help. That’s what the event is about, a community being there for each other. Supporting others even though you don’t know them. As the AFSP states, no one is ever alone.
