‘Out of Darkness’ puts light on suicide

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Bowling Green State University freshman Kate Johnson wants no credit for her part in organizing
Saturday’s "Out Of Darkness" suicide prevention and awareness walk.
That credit goes to Johnson’s cousin, Matthew, who committed suicide in January.
"Right now, I feel like he’s working through me," Johnson said. "This kind of work has
gotten me through his suicide. I know Matthew’s work is being done in Heaven through me."
The family and pet-friendly walk, sponsored by the northern Ohio chapter of the American Foundation for
Suicide Prevention, will take place Saturday at 2 p.m. at BGSU.
Pre-registration starts on University Lawn at 12:30 p.m.
Participants are encouraged to enjoy the three-mile walk or run around campus and spread hope for those
who are having trouble finding it.
"The walk is a good way to show support and to show students we’re all connected," she said.
"It’s for students who have thought about suicide, or have been affected by it personally, who
don’t feel comfortable going to the counseling center, to just go on a walk."
The walk is free to participate and those who donate or raise $20 will receive a t-shirt. So far, Johnson
and the chapter have raised $2,500 thanks to friends of the organization and local businesses.
The funds raised from the walk will go directly to the AFSP for suicide prevention education.
"It’s incredibly humbling to be a part of," Johnson said. "If one person hears about this
walk and reconsiders the suicidal thoughts, then it’s worth it."
After participating in her first "Out of Darkness Walk" last year, BGSU sophomore Blaire
Weseling decided to make even bigger changes this year.
A few months ago, Weseling, the chapter’s board member, wrote a proclamation to Mayor Dick Edwards asking
for April 12 to be declared "Suicide Prevention Day" in Bowling Green.
Weseling got her wish just two weeks ago.
"I felt like a kid on Christmas," she said. "Ask anyone. I was skipping around campus all
day."
From now on, "until eternity, really," April 12 will hold an important meaning and message in
Bowling Green.
In addition to the day being honored by the local government, all future "Out of Darkness
Walks" are slated to be hosted on April 12 as well.
"It makes me feel like we’re making a difference – makes me feel good inside," Weseling said.
"People are afraid to talk about suicide. We want to erase that stigma so people can get
help."
The walk will also feature tables with pamphlets about the AFSP and the BGSU counseling center.
"We’re going to have information on what to do to help someone with suicidal thoughts and speakers
from the counseling center," Weseling said. "We’re showing that we’re all in this together.
You don’t have to go through this alone."
As for Johnson, she’s looking forward to her first walk as a way to memorialize Matthew.
The three-month anniversary of his death was Thursday, and she said having the walk so close to that day
was no coincidence.
"Talking about this and working on this," she said. "It’s kind of like a sign from my
cousin."
For more information on Saturday’s walk, please visit www.afsp.org.

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