Oviedo resident Jessica Logan wanted to honor the life of her stepmother, Lena, who took her own life last year. So she formed a team named “Bigger Than The Sky” to help raise funds and awareness for The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). The annual Out of the Darkness Walk takes place February 4.
Through this community fund-raising event, individuals, corporations, churches, civil organizations or any other group can join together to help raise money for the Central Florida Chapter of the AFSP.
These funds will be used to help prevent suicide and save lives through research and education programs while increasing the awareness of depression and suicide.
In the United States, a person dies by suicide every 14.2 minutes, claiming more than 36,000 lives each year. It is estimated that an attempt is made every minute; with close to one million people attempting suicide annually.
You can help to save a life by participating in this walk at Baldwin Park, 2420 Lakemont Ave. in Orlando on February 4. Registration is from 8am to 9am and the walk starts at 9:15am.
There will be booths set up from organizations that can help you learn more about suicide prevention or to talk about someone you may know that you feel is at risk.
A memory wall is provided so attendees can post a photo of someone close to them that may have been lost to suicide to share with other members of the walk.
Opening ceremonies at 9am include the Orange County Corrections Honor Guard, Bethany Burnette and Jim Payne of WESH 2 News. The closing ceremonies will feature local musician Matt Shenk and the release of the doves by White Birds Express.
To learn more about the walk, visit the AFSP website, email Vicki Long at vlong@rollins.edu or contact her at 407-646-2227.
"Even in our darkest hours," Logan explained, "there is always hope. Always remember, someone loves you...Bigger Than The Sky."
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