To the rustling pom poms of the Dryden High School cheerleader squad, more than 250 people raised over $43,000 in the 13th Annual Greater Ithaca Out of the Darkness Walk on September 6 organized by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Greater Central New York Chapter.

The community walk, amid a drizzle in Lansing’s Myers Park on the edge of Cayuga Lake, 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.

Walkers included many people who lost a family member, friend, or colleague to suicide.

Once again L3 Lisa’s Lagomorph Legion was the top fundraising team, collecting $4,527. Team Hope brought in $4,240; Jack’s Pack $1,205; Team Beginnings $940; and 988 Lifeline Legends $735.

To add a donation to AFSP, click here.

Two well-known local mental health advocates shared personal experiences during the event’s opening ceremony.

Samantha Shoemaker, founder of Free HUGS Ithaca, recounted her struggles with deep depression and how it took more than three years before combinations of therapy and medications—which she initially resisted—eased her pain.

“I felt so alone, though my friends were checking on me. The couple times when I was vulnerable enough to share how much pain I was in, nobody asked any questions or made any substantial, non-cliche comments. It was like I didn’t know how to talk about it, and they didn’t know how to address it. I was a burden. Debby downer. I knew depression was kicking my ass,” she said.

Samantha Shoemaker of Free HUGS Ithaca speaks during opening ceremony

Now, Shoemaker said, “I no longer challenge the need for meds and have taken science into full consideration and the fact that the chemistry of my organics works well with specific chemicals, aka meds, that make me feel okay. I have fortunately found the combination of meds that has given my brain enough time to process things in a way that works for me and my life now. I had enough relief in between trials to give me hope to try again. That was the key, trying again. Not giving up.”

“Though I don’t think it will ever go away, living with the dark has made the light so much brighter. Without all the bad, all of this wouldn’t be as appreciated and welcomed with gratitude,” she added.

Darrell Harrington, the founder of Be Kind Ithaca, shared his story of being badly bullied at summer camp and in school, and how anxiety then followed him into adulthood.

He became a rock musician and for 30 years lived his dream, touring the country with amazing bands, performing before thousands of spectators, appearing in independent films, and meeting many of his rock idols.

Yet he regularly felt nauseous with his heart racing for no apparent reason, and experienced a lack of motivation, exhaustion, and a very short temper. After several years of worrying that he was having heart attacks he had many tests done but doctors could find nothing physically wrong.

Be Kind Ithaca’s Darrell Harrington shares his story about anxiety

“About 13 years ago, my band mate and great friend Mikey suggested that I should go see a therapist,” he said. “I thought he was out of his mind. I’m tough and strong, and fine. Why should I go to a therapist?”

Harrington began seeing a therapist, who helped him explore unresolved issues from being bullied years earlier. Meanwhile, his primary care physician prescribed anti-anxiety medication. Yet he seemed to get worse. So much so, that he eventually started thinking of a way to end his own life.

One night he finally revealed the full depth of his pain to his wife, Jacque, who helped him put a plan into action. His therapist diagnosed severe anxiety disorder and suggested he seek further help at Tompkins County Mental Health Services.

“Thank God I went. I had some of the best therapists and psychologists help me throughout the years. And at this point I am proud to say that I am controlling my anxiety and it is not controlling me. I do have days, and they are not easy. But I have the tools and the knowledge to know how to handle them,” Harrington said.

“I’m not sure what would have happened if I didn’t wake Jaqcue up and tell her everything that night. If you are suffering, please, please, please, reach out to someone. I know it’s hard. I really know how hard it is. But there is help out there for you and there are many amazing people that want to help you.”

Harrington ended by sharing a quote that Jacque gave him to remember if he is having a tough time: “Always remember, you are braver than you think, stronger than you seem, and loved more than you know.”

Walk committee member Emily Georgia closed the ceremony singing “Better Days,” by Irish performer and song writer Dermot Kennedy.

“Together we strive to be the difference in our community, together we will save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide,” said Walk Chair Crystal Howser. “We are sending the message to others that they are not alone. If I can save one life, save one family from the pain of losing a loved one to suicide. I am making a difference. Gratitude to everyone who helps make this walk so successful.” 

AFSP Organizers Stacy Ayres and Crystal Howser

The 2025 Greater Ithaca Out of the Darkness Walk was sponsored by:

The Strebel Planning Group’s Fund for Community Enrichment; Borgwarner; Mirabito Energy Products; Mirabito Cares; Visions Federal Credit Union; Solomon Organization; Lansing Funeral Home; Triad Foundation; Beginnings Credit Union, Suicide Prevention & Crisis Service of Tompkins County; Guthrie; Wildlife Resolutions; CSP Management; 23 North Restaurant & Bar/Pizza & Bones; Cayuga Health; True Insurance; Tioga State Bank Foundation.