More than 200 people raised over $35,000 in the 12th Annual Greater Ithaca Out of the Darkness Walk on September 7 organized by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Greater Central New York Chapter.
2024 Out of the Darkness Walk at Myers Park
The Greater Ithaca Walk, which took place in Meyers Park in Lansing on Cayuga Lake during a persistent morning drizzle, is among 400 held across the country every year designed to raise awareness, support survivors of suicide loss, and collect funds for research, training, and educational programming.
This year’s Walk was held during National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Walkers included many people who lost a family member, friend, or colleague to suicide.
L3 Lisa’s Lagomorph Legion was the top fundraising team again this year, collecting $5,743.53. Team Hope brought in $2,430; Team 22 $1,970; Boynton Middle School Rainbow Alliance & Friends $1,052; and 988 lifeline legends $1,035.
To add a donation to AFSP or become a volunteer, click here
“Leave a Light On”
“Suicide has impacted so many lives,” said Walk Chair Crystal Howser, kicking off the event. “When we come together, we are letting everyone know you are not alone, and we are here to support each other. United, we strive to be a source of strength for our community.”
AFSP’s Stacy Ayres, Karen Heisig, Crystal Howser, and Amber Parker
Jennifer Carlton-Cooper shared a powerful story to explain why she has participated in Greater Ithaca Walks since they began. Having struggled with suicide ideation herself, she lost her 22-year-old son Nick in 2021. Her daughter’s father Jeremy had died by suicide 11 months earlier.
“We must push for mental health to become a national priority and normalize sharing our feelings,” she said. “I ask each of you to assume you are the only one who will be there for your family and friends or others around you when they need a conversation to help save their life. Talk saves lives. Be a lifesaver.”
Carlton-Cooper said that over the many years she has struggled she learned how to recognize her own warning signs and created a safety plan for herself. “The one key tool in my plan is to phone a friend,” she explained. “Remember, if you struggle, as I do, have a plan. If you know someone who struggles, let them know you will always be their plan.”
In the Walk’s opening ceremony, Emily Georgia performed “Leave a Light On” by Papa Roach.
Amber Parker ended the ceremony with the reading of a poem, “I Heard Your Voice In The Wind Today,” by an unknown poet.
I heard your voice in the wind today
and I turned to see your face;
The warmth of the wind caressed me
as I stood silently in place.
I felt your touch in the sun today
as its warmth filled the sky;
I closed my eyes for your embrace
and my spirit soared high.
I saw your eyes in the window pane
as I watched the falling rain;
It seemed as each raindrop fell
it quietly said your name.
I held you close in my heart today
it made me feel complete;
You may have died…but you are not gone
you will always be a part of me.
As long as the sun shines…
the wind blows…
the rain falls…
You will live on inside of me forever
for that is all my heart knows.
The 2024 Greater Ithaca Walk was sponsored by:
CFCU Community Credit Union; The Strebel Planning Group’s Fund for Community Enrichment; Cayuga Lake Seido Karate; Maguire Automotive; Borgwarner; Pizza and Bones; Lansing Funeral Home; Texas Roadhouse; Cayuga Health System; Visions Federal Credit Union; Tioga State Bank Foundation; Cayuga Lake National Bank; Ithaca Apartment Management/Solomon Organization; Speak Up Cortland!; Lansing Fire Department; Ace Hardware; Wegmans; Cayuga Radio Group.
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