August 12, 2024 By Carol Britton Meyer
The inaugural South Shore Out of the Darkness Walk to Prevent Suicide supports the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Massachusetts chapter’s mission to save lives and to bring hope to those affected by suicide across the state.
The event — co-chaired by Hingham residents Julie Hamilton and Tamara Shape — will take place Saturday, Sept. 21, at Bare Cove Park, starting at 9 a.m., as one of nine Out of the Darkness community walks being held in Massachusetts this fall.
“Suicide touches one in five American families,” Hamilton told the Hingham Anchor. “We hope that by connecting with one another, we can create a space of healing and a place to have honest conversations about mental health. Our goal is to not only raise awareness but also lifesaving funds to help prevent suicide and to keep other families from experiencing a suicide loss.”
The intent is to give those who attend a chance to connect with others and to know they are not alone, whether walking in memory, or in support, of a loved one or in honor of their own mental health journey.
Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, with more than 600 individuals losing their lives by suicide every year in Massachusetts.
Raising awareness
“We are honored to bring this important event to the South Shore for the first time. As a community we have been deeply affected by suicide especially in the past few years,” Shape said. “We are hoping for a very large turnout to raise awareness and bring all of us together. Simply asking a family member, friend, or neighbor, “How are you doing? Really?” and listening can change the course of someone’s life. We are looking forward to a great day filled with love and peace.”
Team captain Cyndi Smith, also a Hingham resident, is encouraging friends and family members to join the walk. “Many of us have been affected by suicide in one way or another,” she said. “Way too many have been successful in our own community, and many have also attempted [suicide] and thankfully been unsuccessful.”
‘There is help, hope, and zero shame’
Smith is on a mission to “help stop those who consider suicide as the only option to escape whatever pain they are living with.
There is help, hope, and zero shame in admitting these struggles.”
She became involved with the walk as the result of a personal experience with a loved one, which fortunately had a positive outcome.
“Mental health issues are real, and the stigma needs to end,” Smith said. “They are as much of a disease as many other illnesses.
If I can save one life by supporting this cause and the walk then I know these efforts can make a difference.”
Proceeds from donations from walk participants and others will benefit AFSP’s prevention efforts through research, advocacy, and support for those affected by suicide.
“We need to advocate for those who don’t have the strength right now but hopefully will as more of us talk [about this issue] and show our support,” Smith said. “I would love to see as many friends and families join the walk on what we hope will be a beautiful Fall morning.”
For further information, to register, or to make a donation, go to www.afsp.org/southshore.
To learn more about AFSP Massachusetts, visit https://afsp.org/chapter/massachusetts.
If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide, please call or text “TALK” to 988 for 24/7 help.
