By Jacob Clavijo
On Saturday, the Lynchburg chapter for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) held their 10th annual Out of the Darkness Walk. The event, held at Peaks View Park, aims to raise awareness for suicide prevention, provide resources for those struggling, and to honor those lost to suicide.
“It helps you heal,” said Joan Rosin, a board member for the local Lynchburg AFSP chapter. “Whether you’re dealing with depression or whether you’re trying to find the sprout of hope from your ashes.”
Stiletto Stompers at Out of the Darkness Walk 2024. Photo by Jacob Clavijo
For Rosin, the walk is personal. She lost her husband, Al Palmer, to suicide on October 3, 2008. In the year following his death, Rosin attended an Out of the Darkness Walk in Roanoke, where she was inspired to bring the event to Lynchburg. The first walk in 2014 saw 300 people from the community show up. The following year that number doubled to 600 people. This year, over 1000 people showed up to walk, including student athletes from the University of Lynchburg swimming and lacrosse teams.
Student athletes from the University of Lynchburg Men’s Lacrosse team at Out of the Darkness Walk 2024. Photo by Jacob Clavijo
In addition to walking side by side, over 35 resource tables connected with attendees to provide information for those struggling. One of those tables, Lynchburg Living On, is a support group for adults who have suffered the loss of a loved one or friend to suicide.
“I lost my son about a few years ago, and this really did help me go through that grief,” said Bob Durkee, a board member for Lynchburg Living On.“When you’re ready to start addressing it, get in and really talk to somebody.”
Joan Rosin and her family at Out of the Darkness Walk 2024. Photo by Jacob Clavijo
This year, the Lynchburg AFSP set a $90,000 goal to continue to raise awareness and provide resources for suicide prevention. At the time of the walk, the community had surpassed their goal and raised over $100k. Donations will be accepted until the end of the year. But the money is just a small part of why the event matters.
“We don’t ever make it about the money,” Rosin said. “It’s about letting people know that we exist and that there is a place they can come to embrace.”
Rosin wants supporters of the event to leave knowing that they are not alone in their struggles and in their grief.
“We want them to feel the love. We want them to feel the hope. We want them to be here tomorrow,” Rosin said.
Resource sign posted at the Out of the Darkness Walk 2024. Photo by Jacob Clavijo
If you are having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also visit Speaking of Suicide for additional support.
