Walking out of the dark

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - Mankato’s annual Out of the Darkness Walk is about uniting the community and showing that no matter what we’re going through, we are not alone.

“Just this kind of beautiful event to be around community,” volunteer Tom Allen said.

The walk is hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and is run by volunteers in the community.

“Our mission is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide, and we have a chapter here in Minnesota where we bring prevention, education programming all across the community,” AFSP area director Amanda Leininger said.

The Mankato chapter has raised almost $15,000 this year, bringing the grand total, over six years of walks, to around $100,000.

“These funds are really integral to us being able to do our life saving work across the community,” Leininger said.

An important part of the walk is the Honor Bead Ceremony. The crowd takes a few moments of silence to remember those they’ve lost based on the beads they wear, such as red being the loss of a spouse.

“Feel like I’m holding on to my cousin today, and it’s just like knowing that I have that. That everyone else here has experienced it,” Allen said.

The Mankato Out of the Darkness Walk was started six years ago by Britt Lockwood. It began with about ten people and now the event has over 200 walking.

“And then all of a sudden, like it just has blossomed. This is just amazing. Last year, it just morphed into something so much bigger, which just shows maybe how silenced suicide loss is,” Allen said.

“I cry pretty much every single walk event that were at, because it is just so beautiful to see the way we all come together to support one another,” Leininger said.

We can all help prevent suicide by walking, by talking or just being the ear that listens.

If you’re struggling today, there is support and help available 24 hours a day. You can call or text the 988 Lifeline, free of charge. All calls are confidential. Remember, you are not alone.

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