7/31/2008 10:32:00 AM McFarlanders walk Out Of The Darkness
The Out of Darkness walk team members are pictured L to R Brittney Garland, Rich Suter, Laura Dupor, Jim Dupor, Briana Wiegan, Eric Garland, Danita Dostalek Joseph Dupor and Tanya Dupor.
On June 21 and 22, eleven McFarland residents laced up their shoes and joined over 1200 other participants in Seattle Washington to participate in the national "Out of The Darkness Overnight," a 20 mile overnight walk from sunset to sunrise.
The event is organized by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The purpose of this annual walk is to raise funds and awareness for suicide prevention as well as providing support and resources for survivors of suicide.
Over $1.3 million was raised on this evening to help bring depression and suicide into the light. With the help of many McFarland residents and businesses, Team "Bear With Us" was able to contribute approx. $15,000. Donations on behalf of Team Bear With Us placed it among the top 10 fundraisers nationally participating in this event.
Members of Team Bear With Us include Eric, Trudy and Brittney Garland, Briana Wiegan, Danita Dostalek, Rich Suter, Jim, Deb, Tanya, Laura and Joseph Dupor.
The team walked in memory of Brandon Garland, Natalie Wiegan and other loved ones who have been lost to suicide.
This is the second national event that team Bear With Us has participated in, previously walking through out the night in Chicago, in August 2006. Next year, the Out of the Darkness Overnight walk will be held in the nations capital on May 30-31.
Facts about suicide and depression
* Suicide is the second leading cause of death in WI. among ages 15-34
* Every 16 minutes, someone in the US dies by suicide. This adds up to 89 deaths per day-the equivalent of a jet crash every other day with no survivors.
* It is estimated that 20 percent of all suicides occur among veterans.
* Depression affects more than 20 million people per year in the US.
* The best way to prevent suicide is through early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of depression and other mood disorders.
* Elderly comprise 16 percent of suicide deaths.
* This year, one in twelve teenagers will attempt suicide
For additional information on suicide prevention you may contact HOPES at (608) 274-9686 or visit www.hopes-wi.org or AFSP at 1-888-333-AFSP or visit www.afsp.org
If you or someone who know may be in crisis please call the local Crisis Line at (608) 280-2600 or the national Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
