WalkOut of the Darkness

Dear Friends,

As many of you already know, suicide prevention is a cause near and dear to my heart. Last year, I raised money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention through The Overnight Walk. This year, I will be walking in AFSP's Chicago WalkOut of the Darkness Community Walk at the Chicago Botanic Gardens on September 25th, 2010.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is at the forefront of research, education and prevention initiatives designed to reduce loss of life from suicide. With more than 33,000 lives lost each year in the U.S. and over one million worldwide, the importance of AFSP's mission has never been greater, nor our work more urgent.

• For every $50 raised, AFSP can provide educational materials to 25 people, emphasizing the importance of early identification and treatment for those suffering from depression and other disorders that put them at risk. If just one person seeks help for depression, a life could be saved for less than the cost of dinner and a movie.
• For every $100 raised, AFSP can educate a mental health professional or primary care physician about the warning signs of suicide; they, in turn, will reach hundreds - maybe thousands – of people.
• For every $500 raised, a new Survivor of Suicide support group facilitator can be trained, and the members of the group will be given a chance to be with other survivors who understand, and will know that they are not alone.
• For every $1,000 raised, together with 20 additional walkers, we can fund a year of research into the genetic, biological or behavioral factors that contribute to suicide. The number of lives potentially saved by this research is incalculable.

Please consider supporting my participation in this event, or joining me in the walk. Any contribution will help the work of AFSP, and all donations are 100% tax deductible.

Peace,
~Stacey