The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) held it’s annual Out of the Darkness suicide prevention walk on Saturday at Risman Plaza.

The walk consisted of various members of the Kent community; students, parents and alumni. The walk was a total distance of three miles around the campus. Volunteers walked with family and friends to raise awareness for suicide prevention, educational programs and funds for the AFSP.

Approximately 100 people were in attendance to participate in the three-mile walk.

Not every volunteer was personally affected by suicide but still came out to support the cause.

“I’ve done it for two years now (and) it’s wonderful to see all the support we’ve gotten,” said Alexa Herrera, a volunteer for the event. “I haven’t been affected by this but it’s so nice to support everyone who has.”

There were approximately 100 people who all took on the three-mile walk.

AFSP hosts nationwide walks to raise money for suicide prevention and to support survivors of suicide walks. There are 83 American Foundation for Suicide Prevention chapters around the country hosting events.

The organization gives people the option of raising money through their own fundraisers for relatives or friends who they may have lost to suicide. All the proceeds go to the AFSP.

Christine Senducci, The northern Ohio treasurer for the AFSP, used the event to remember someone she had lost to suicide. 

“I lost my uncle five years (ago),” Senducci said. “It’s a way to give back and prevent suicide in other families. That is pretty much how I got involved with the event.”

Jailyn Menefee is the social sciences reporter for The Kent Stater. Contact her at [email protected].