On June 27, 2009 I will be participating in the Out of the Darkness Overnight walk. All of the proceeds go to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. I will join thousands of people as we walk twenty miles from dusk until dawn on the streets of Chicago. 

Here are some facts about the cause:

• Every 16 minutes, someone in the U.S. dies by suicide.
• Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States.
• Experts estimate that a suicide attempt is made every minute of every day.
• 90% of those who commit suicide have a diagnosable and treatable psychiatric condition at the time of death.
• Talking about suicide will prevent the bad stigma against suicide and encourage young people to get help.
• Depression effects more than 20 million Americans every year.
• Depression is among the most treatable of mood disorders.

About the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

• Supporting that is improving our understanding of suicide and its prevention.
• Providing education and information for people who are depressed and suicidal to professionals, the media, and the public through workshops and trainings.
• Publicizing the magnitude of the problem of suicide and depression, advocating for policies and legislation that can help prevent suicide, and working to eliminate the stigma associated with depression and suicide. 

Why do I care?

I have struggled with depression for about six years. Until recently I didn't think about my future because I never thought I'd be around long enough to have to deal with it. Now I realize that I have a great future to look forward to with a bad past that was really selfish. I attempted suicide several times because the pain was too great to handle. How could I stand living a life that kept kicking me around like a soccer ball? I was lucky to have a support system that cared and got me help. I have hope and I want to help people who lived life like I did. If I can give anyone a tiny glimmer of hope at the end of the tunnel, I'll do it. That is why I am walking this walk. I am raising this money to help save lives or to help people live their lives for real. 

I would greatly appreciate your support in my walk... mentally, emotionally, and/or financially. For donations, please click on the link below. Thank you!