"Out of the Darkness 2008"

You too can help. click here

"I'm going to change the world." Words said oh-so long ago. "Yes, Little Love, you can change the world." Shoulders squared, a look of steely determination in those beautiful blue eyes. "You're not LISTENING, Mom. I am going to make a difference in this world. I really am."

They made a difference. Not the one I had anticipated, but a difference. They had always intended to be life savers. They did in fact save many lives, as lifeguards, EMT's, once as simply a nameless good Samaritan. Their lives touched the lives of many people. So, too, has their deaths.

Every 16 minutes, someone here in the United States dies by suicide. People are afraid to ask for help because of the stigma associated with mental illness and suicide. I once believed as many people still mistakenly do. I once believed that suicide takes the dregs of society, the worst of the worst. I was wrong. Suicide takes the best of the best. I know. Suicide took my sons lives. It didn't take their voices, though. It didn't take their intent to make a difference in this world.

I am left here to be their voice, to carry out their legacy, to make a difference. For them, and so many others, I am walking in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Out of the Darkness Overnight walk in New York City June 7-8, 2008.

Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death and the second leading cause of death among college students. Every year, more than 30,000 people in the United States will die from suicide. Twenty million Americans suffer from depression - that's about 10 percent of the population. Thankfully, depression is among the most treatable of psychiatric illnesses. Some estimates suggest that between 80 percent and 90 percent of people with depression respond positively to treatment, and almost all patients gain some relief from their symptoms. But ﬁrst, depression has to be recognized. Unfortunately, depression left untreated often leads to suicide. I'm participating in this event to try to change that fact. That's why I'm doing this. To do something bold about an issue that so few people talk about. I hope that you'll share this incredible journey with me - by supporting me in my fundraising efforts.

My personal fundraising goal is $10,000.00. Last year, you generously donated $7500.00. A dollar, ten dollars, a thousand dollars. Every penny helps. Your contribution is 100% tax deductible.

Please, consider helping me make a difference. Help me make my two sons vision of making a difference in this world a reality.

Walk good, and be blessed.

Maximum respect,

Brenda Adkins, always Red's & Red Man's Mom

Donate Here