Clermont AFSP walK: 9/6/25

The summer of 2007 is a season forever etched into my heart. It was the summer I lost my husband to suicide. Even though so many years have passed, the memory of those days still feels raw—like a scar that heals but never truly fades.

Losing a spouse to suicide is unlike any other kind of grief. It’s a collision of heartbreak, unanswered questions, and a silence that feels deafening. It’s not just the loss of the person you loved—it’s the loss of the future you planned together, the routines you built, the laughter that once filled the home. Overnight, everything I thought I knew about my life shifted.

One of the ways I’ve chosen to honor my husband’s memory and support others is by participating in the Out of the Darkness Walk, organized by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. These walks bring together survivors, families, and communities to break the silence, raise awareness, and fund vital research and prevention programs.

Walking among others who have faced similar loss reminds me that I am not alone, and neither are you. Together, we walk in memory of those we’ve lost and in hope for those who are still struggling.

In my husband’s honor, we created the Flint Hope and Healing Foundation, where I proudly serve on the board. Our mission is to support suicide survivors, promote prevention, and bring resources to those who feel they are walking alone in their grief or struggles.

This foundation is not only a tribute to his life but also a way to bring light into the lives of others who may be battling in silence. Through this work, I’ve found a deeper purpose in my pain and a way to ensure that his story continues to inspire hope and healing for others.

If my story resonates with you, I would be honored if you would consider supporting this cause. Your donation helps fund suicide prevention, support for survivors, and education that can save lives.

Every step I take in the Out of the Darkness Walk is in memory of my husband, and every dollar raised brings us closer to a world with more hope and fewer losses.

Thank you for standing with me. Thank you for helping to carry the light into someone else’s darkness.