Bob Delaney to Speak at Walk For Life Kickoff

BRADENTON—The  kick-off party for the 10^th Annual Manatee Glens Walk For Life will feature author and motivational speaker Bob Delaney and his wife, Billie. The free event takes place on Thursday, July 12 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at Bright House Networks, 5413 State Road 64 East in Bradenton. The Manatee Glens Walk for Life
raises awareness and funds for depression and suicide prevention. Delaney, former decorated trooper with the New Jersey State Police and retired National
Basketball Association referee, is author of Surviving The Shadows: A Journey of Hope into Post-Traumatic Stress. The Delaneys are now dedicated to raising awareness of post-traumatic stress, especially among veterans. They
were the 2011 Lakewood Ranch Community Fund Humanitarians of the Year.

“It’s an honor to have the Delaneys with us for this event. They are making great strides in helping to eliminate the stigma of depression and post-traumatic stress disorders,” states Manatee Glens President and CEO Mary Ruiz. “Their
participation in the kick-off sets the pace for this year’s Walk. We have an aggressive goal of raising $60,000.”

Manatee Glens Walk for Life takes place September 22, 2012 in Sutton Park in Palmetto. This year, there is a sanctioned 5K run in addition to the 5K fun walk.  There will be music, dancing, food and an emotional butterfly and bubble release. Local schools compete for prizes for
the most participation. Families, houses of worship, clubs, businesses and others also form teams to make it a friendly competition as they raise funds
for crisis services. Additionally, many local businesses have contributed $7000 in prizes for the top teams and individuals.

"This is personally very important to me. It is inspiring to see the crowd--especially the hundreds of teenagers--walking and running for those we
have lost and especially for those we hope to save,” says Manatee Glens Walk for Life Chair Patricia Lucas, Ed.D.

Depression is a leading cause of suicide. Each year, about 20 million people will suffer
from depression, close to 1 million people in the U.S. will make a suicide attempt, and 30,000 will pass away by suicide. Suicide is also the third
leading cause of death among teens and young adults and the second leading cause of death for college students.

It’s easy to get involved in the Manatee Glens Walk for Life. Sign up through the website and get a team started. Then encourage friends, colleagues and family
to donate to your team—everything can be done on-line. It is $25 for adults and $10 for students to sign up. www.ManateeGlens.org