Sunday October 2, 2016 over 5,000 walkers came out to the Annual Philadelphia Out of the Darkness Walk. Over $500,000 was raised to help support AFSP in it’s education and prevention programs to help turn the tide on suicide statistics. I’ve been volunteering for them for 5 years, and am the 2015/16 Recipient of the Humanitarian Honor, which was given to me at their gala last November. Hope you’ll come out and support the 2017 Gala on January 7, 2017 at Union Trust. I’ll have a live link for your support in the next few weeks. I am living proof that suicide is not the answer. Had I been successful in my attempts, I would not have been here to shine the light on the many charities and great people who give hope in our lives. xo HughE
Supporters of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention wear beads that symbolize their person connection to the cause.
(I’d wear purple, blue, teal and green)
Shelley Leaphart-Williams, Founder, CEO at Lifesavers University, and friends
Jan Evans , supporter/sponsor extraordinaire and Garden Wellington, PR extraordinaire, both who have had loved ones
commit suicide.
Rep. Maria Donatucci I lost my cousin Michael 10yrs ago.I lost my nephew Michael 3mths ago.It’s time to lose the stigma #MentalHealthAwareness #suicideprevention, with Rep. Donna Bullock.
Pat Gainey, Philadelphia regional director for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) being acknowledge for her 12 years of service, as she retires this year. She really brought the organization from obscurity to where suicides/mental health is discussed with out the media sensationalizing it. Catherine M. Siciliano, AFSP associate Philadelphia area director (r)
The team captains pay tribute to the people they are walking in honor of
Arthur C. Evans Jr., Ph.D, commissioner of Philadelphia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services
Pax Tandon, Wellness Coach, warms up the crowd with deep breathing exercises and thoughtfulness
The ROTC Color Guard kicks off the walk.
Over 5000 walkers registered this year. Philadelphia has the largest registered walkers, beating even NYC.
Only In Darkness Can You See The Stars
Caryn Hersh and Vickie Nomiddle
and friends
According to the World Health Organization, almost one million (1,000,000) people die from suicide each year. In the last 45 years, suicide rates have increased 60% worldwide. In the United States, there is an average of one suicide every 15 minutes.
We All Matter, and someone loves you. Call Suicide Prevention, reach out to a friend, head to a church, an AA, NA Meeting. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
Love yourself, it’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
