Out of the Darkness
August 17-18, 2002, Sunset to Sunrise
26-mile Walk, Fairfax, VA, to Washington, D.C.
For this event, I will be getting off my bicycle and walking. This unique event
takes place literally overnight, with the darkness symbolic of the depression and
despair many people feel who contemplate, attempt and commit suicide. We will emerge
from the night's darkness and celebrate life on the Mall in Washington, D.C.
Net proceeds of the event will go to the American
Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), to fund innovative media and public
awareness campaigns aimed at letting those who suffer from depression, or who contemplate
suicide, know that it doesnít have to be a secret ó that there is help available
and that there are people out there who really care about them.
AFSP is the only national not-for-profit organization dedicated to funding suicide
prevention research, education and awareness programs ó both to prevent suicides
and to assist those affected by suicide. AFSP was founded in 1987 by concerned scientists,
business and community leaders, and by those who have lost a loved one to suicide.
Located in New York City, with 17 affiliate chapters across the country, AFSP was
an integral part of Surgeon General David Satcherís planning group for the soon-to-be-released
National Suicide Prevention Strategy report.
Their most recent nationwide projects include a teen suicide prevention PSA campaign,
the creation of the National Survivors of Suicide Day, several new treatment research
projects, funding for medical and psychological grants, a recognition, referral and
treatment pilot program for college students (in development) and an educational
film for teenagers/college students to help them recognize the signs of suicide,
mood and anxiety disorders. In 2000, AFSP distributed more than $750,000 in research
grants. Together, we can hopefully help them add significantly to that, and let people
know that there is another day. A new day. A better day.
More than 30,000 people in the United States die by suicide. It is this countryís
8th leading cause of death, and is often characterized as a response to a single
event or set of circumstances. However, unlike these popular conceptions, suicide
is a much more involved phenomenon. The factors that contribute any particular suicide
are diverse and complex, so our efforts to understand it must incorporate many approaches.
The clinical, neurobiological, legal and psychosocial aspects of suicide are some
of the major lines of inquiry into suicide.
Informative Links:
Fundraising Goals and Pledges at of 3/7/02
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My $2000 Personal Goal
(light blue = $1000 minimum)
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$750 Total Pledged
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 Won't you contribute? |
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Thank you Jane, anonymous, Terrie
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Make
a pledge on-line
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Download a PDF donation form
Last updated March 7, 2002 by Margo Burns, margo@ogram.org