2023 American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Overnight Walk
Posted Saturday, April 29, 2023 12:45 PM
 
(Posted by Mike Erickson on behalf of Eric and Mary Jeanne Miller)
 
Dear Family and Friends,
 
Fifteen years ago in February 2008 my life was forever changed when my son died by suicide. Jake was 20 years old, a sophomore in college. He had a deeply caring heart, a loving, gentle soul, a playful sense of humor, strong artistic ability and a smile that could light up the room. He deeply loved his family, friends, dogs (especially his new Lab pup, Drake), his car and sports. The SF Giants and SF 49ers were his teams. 
 
We as human beings all carry burdens, have scars - some visible, others hidden. Whatever Jake carried, that darkness brought him to a point where he could no longer stand the pain or fight. 
 
TOO MANY PEOPLE DIE EACH YEAR BY SUICIDE
 
It is the 10th leading cause of death in the US. 
130 people die EVERY day
45,979 Americans died by suicide in 2020 (the last year of completed statistics) 
More than 40 Veterans take their lives EVERY day
An estimated 703,000 people worldwide die by suicide EACH year
1.2 MILLION people attempted suicide in 2020
 
In many cases, suicide can be prevented. 
 
This June 3rd in Washington D.C., I will be participating in my 7th American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Overnight Walk … a journey of 16-18 miles walked overnight and Out of the Darkness. I will be walking as a member of Team Jake Millertime. All funds raised for the walk benefit the AFSP, an amazing organization that provides research and advocacy for suicide prevention and mental illness. They provide educational programs for grade school through college as well as for the general public and survivors of suicide. The walk not only benefits AFSP, but also those who participate. Sharing of stories about loved ones lost and encouraging those who are struggling enriches each person and gives them hope and strength. It is a truly emotional and uplifting experience.
 
Each year I continue to walk 
  • To raise awareness about suicide prevention so that NO family, NO individual will EVER experience the devastation our family has
  • To affirm and recognize the dignity and importance of EACH person 
  • To open conversations to help bring about changes in attitudes and BREAK THE STIGMA related to suicide 
  • To encourage those who need help to REACH OUT without fear or shame
  • To offer HOPE to those struggling and those who have lost someone to suicide
  • To NEVER FORGET those lost and CELEBRATE their uniqueness and value
 
JAKE’S LIFE MATTERED … EVERY LIFE MATTERS … YOU MATTER !!!
 
 I hope you will consider supporting my participation in this event. My personal fundraising goal is $15,000 and ANY contribution, large or small, will help the work of AFSP. Checks should be made payable to AFSP and are 100% tax deductible. Or visit my Overnight fundraising page if you would like to donate online or see how close I am to reaching my personal goal.
 
With much gratitude and love, 
Mary Jeanne
 
Thank you for considering this request for your support. If you have any questions about the Out of the Darkness Overnight or AFSP do not hesitate to contact me ANYTIME!!
 
 
If you or anyone you know is in crisis, please call 988 or contact the Crisis Lifeline by texting TALK to 741741

Mike