Kensington Metro Park Hosts Suicide Awareness WalkKensington Metro Park Hosts Suicide Awareness Walk

9/22/14 - Over 1,500 community members walked for a national cause at Kensington Metro Park on Sunday. For 15 years, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has held its “Out of Darkness” community walks to raise awareness and funds for their campaign to create a world without suicide. Major walks take place in Metro Detroit including Ann Arbor, Westland, Livingston and Oakland County and the downriver area. Laura Edwards, chairperson for the 2014 Out of Darkness walk, says in addition to the registered walkers, over 400 “walk-ups” were expected. She tells WHMI Livingston and Oakland County has currently raised over $94,000 for AFSP. Edwards says the fundraiser brings community members together for the drive to educate about suicide prevention. She tells WHMI her personal experience of losing her 12-year-old son Chase to suicide reminds her of the need to connect and support one another. Some participants walked in teams in recognition of a loved one lost to suicide. One such team was Team Lowry who honored Justin Lowry, a beloved son and friend to many. After losing Justin just over a year ago, his mother and family friend stressed the need for resources to attend to mental illness and to remove the stigma about it. They both reiterated that it is nothing to be ashamed of and that suicide is a permanent decision to a temporary problem. (DK)