The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) hosted its annual Out of the Darkness Community Walk at the Jones Beach on Sunday, drawing thousands of supporters dedicated to raising awareness and funding for suicide prevention. The event serves as both a memorial and a call to action.

Among the participants was Bette Cole who walked in memory of her daughter, Sandra.

“We are walking in honor of my daughter who struggled – and now we are doing this in her memory,” she shared, emphasizing the profound personal losses that bring many to the walk.

Scott Cole, Bette's son, echoed the sentiment, urging others to reach out to those who may be struggling.

“If you know someone who may be struggling, let them know you’re there for them, let them know you love them,” he said.

Sandra Hurvey Hall, who has dedicated over a decade to raising awareness after the loss of her son Tenneil at just 16 years old, also participated. For over a decade, she has worked to support mental health charities and raise awareness.

“I am smiling, but there is pain that I am carrying every day. As you can see, he was a beautiful child,” she said.

Kalea Sinishtaj, who lost her father to suicide, expressed the need for open dialogue about mental health issues.

“People don’t talk about it enough, how much suicide can affect people and their families and their friends and their loved ones,” she noted, reflecting a shared desire among participants to break the stigma surrounding these conversations.

This annual walk not only serves as a means for individuals like Kalea, Sandra, and the Cole family to connect, but is also the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's biggest fundraising event of the year.

Ann Morrison-Pacella, executive director of AFSP Long Island, emphasized the event's significance.

“This event gives them an opportunity to connect with people who have been through the same losses and struggles,” she said.

So far, the Out of the Darkness Walk at Jones Beach in Long Island has raised over $500,000 for suicide prevention initiatives. If you would like to donate to the cause, click here.