Out Of The Darkness Walk For Suicide Prevention In Orange County

MISSION VIEJO, CA — A Mission Viejo resident is gathering friends and supporters for the upcoming Out Of The Darkness Community Walk for Suicide Prevention. Darnnell Grunkemeyer's childhood friend struggled with mental health issues in silence, and through the outspokenness of friends and loved ones, #TeamJen was born. "I am doing this walk in honor of (Jen)," Grunkemeyer told us. "I know she would agree with the fact that talking saves lives. It's time to break the stigma and stop suicide."

On September 22, walkers will gather in Fountain Valley at the Mile Square Regional Park. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the event will commence at 9:30 a.m.

"When you walk in the Out of the Darkness Walks, you join the effort with hundreds of thousands of people to raise awareness and funds," Casey Likeness, Walk Chairman explained. Those funds allow the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to invest in new research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support survivors of suicide loss.

According to AFSP statistics one out of four people have been directly affected by suicide in one way or another.

"Each year, suicide claims more lives than war, murder, and natural disasters combined," a spokesperson said. Suicide prevention doesn't receive anywhere near the funding as other leading causes of death, and community walks can make a difference. "Together we can change the conversation about mental health and put a stop to this tragic loss of life," they said. The community walks encourage fundraising that supporters hope to help in reducing suicide rates by 25% in 2025, according to that organization.

All donations are 100% tax deductible and benefit the AFSP, funding research, education, advocacy, and support for those affected by suicide, Grunkemeyer said.

When you go, you may see people wearing many different colored beads that tell their story how mental illness has affected their lives and loved ones. Grunkemeyer will be wearing teal, in honor of a friend or family member who struggles with mental health or has attempted suicide.

If you would like to join #teamjen and participate in the walk, we would love to have you. Merely sign up to support here or search for a walk in your area. 400 communities across the nation will walk for Suicide Prevention.

Visit: afsp.donordrive.com for more information. Here is how to register to walk in Fountain Valley Out Of The Darkness Walk To Fight Suicide.

If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.

Photo: Shutterstock