The Jones Beach Suicide Prevention Walk is a call to action

On Sunday, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) held its annual Out of the Darkness Community Walk at Jones Beach, which attracted thousands of supporters committed to raising awareness and funding for suicide prevention. This event is both a memorial and a call to action.

Among those attending was Bette Cole, who walked in memory of her daughter Sandra.

“We are marching in honor of my daughter who fought, and now we are doing this in her memory,” she said, highlighting the deep personal losses that drive many to march.

Scott Cole, Bette’s son, echoes this sentiment, urging others to reach out to those who may be struggling.

“If you know someone who may be struggling, let them know you’re there for them, let them know you love them,” he said.

Sandra Hurvey Hall, who has dedicated over a decade to raising awareness after losing her son Tenneil at the age of just 16, also took part. She has supported mental health charities and raised awareness for over a decade.

“I smile, but I carry pain inside me every day. As you can see, he was a beautiful child,” she said.

Kalea Sinishtaj, who lost her father to suicide, expressed the need for open dialogue about mental health issues.

“People don’t talk enough about how much suicide can impact people, their families, friends and loved ones,” she noted, reflecting participants’ shared desire to break down the stigma around these conversations.

This annual walk not only serves to connect people like Kalea, Sandra and the Cole family, but it is also the largest fundraising event of the year for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Ann Morrison-Pacella, executive director of AFSP Long Island, emphasized the importance of the event.

“This event gives them an opportunity to connect with people who have experienced the same losses and struggles,” she said.