Aiken Unites for Hope in the 12th Annual Out of the Darkness Walk to Raise Suicide Awareness

Aiken Comes Together for a Purpose: The 12th Annual Out of the Darkness Walk

In the charming city of Aiken, a groundswell of support and compassion ascended on November 10, as hundreds gathered for the 12th annual Out of the Darkness Walk at the H. Odell Weeks Activities Center. This uplifting event was not just about walking; it was about raising awareness for suicide and honoring those lives tragically lost.

Colorful Beads and Heartfelt Stories

The atmosphere buzzed with energy as participants donned colorful beads representing their personal connections to suicide. From blue beads for supporters to silver ones for fallen first responders, each bead told a powerful story. Megan Kon and David Kemp showcased their silver beads—a poignant reminder of the loss of a military hero to suicide. This gathering was a tapestry of shared experiences and love.

A Place for Remembrance and Healing

As those attending walked along the designated path, the sight of A’Nya Newton, a student from Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School, hanging delicate leaves on a tree stood out. Each leaf symbolized a life lost—a silent tribute to individuals who had struggled with mental health and felt they could no longer carry on. It’s a beautiful moment that echoed the message of survival, support, and community.

Every Moment Matters

Delori Brown, heartbroken yet hopeful, stood near green beads representing survivors of suicide attempts. She poignantly shared how she lost her 21-year-old son, Ryan, just last year. Her story resonated with many in attendance who found solace in knowing they were not alone in their grief. Amanda Boody and Lisa Baker held up purple beads—symbols of their lost friends and loved ones, reinforcing the notion that in remembrance, we find strength.

The Heartwarming Support of Community

The event’s organizer, Allen Taylor, emphasized the importance of shared stories and community support. “Everybody has a story, everybody has lost a friend or family member,” he noted, highlighting the collective impact of suicide. “This walk is proof that we’re not alone.” Taylor’s words fueled the event, creating a space where folks could find hope amid heartache.

Banners, Tattoos, and Candles

As the sun began to set, participants came together for a brief candlelight vigil, illuminating the atmosphere with solemnity and remembrance. Many sported temporary semi-colon tattoos, a symbol of mental health awareness, as Julie Palushock and her mother, Roseve Hennessey, proudly displayed theirs. The semi-colon represents a pause in a story, not its end—a beautiful metaphor in the fight for mental health awareness.

Creating Lasting Impact

Russ Jessop introduced a unique tree project where participants could write names of those they’d lost and hang them on branches, giving tangible form to their grief. “It’s a way to keep their memory alive,” he stated, emphasizing the power of remembrance in the healing process. This simple yet profound gesture brought hope and connection to many.

Breaking Barriers through Conversations

The event wasn’t solely about mourning; it was also about breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide. Mickey Moore, a suicide survivor, shared her personal struggle and emphasized the importance of compassion and support. “Shame is an enemy of expression. We must help those that are ashamed of their emotions coming to light,” she passionately declared.

The Final Message

As the walk wrapped up, attendees left with more than just colored beads; they left with a renewed sense of purpose and community. For many, this wasn’t just an event; it was a movement to change the narrative around mental health and bring light to the dark corners of silence associated with suicide.

If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that help is just a call away. Dialing 988 can connect you with the support needed to navigate through tough times. Because together, we can all make a difference.