Out of the Darkness Walk raises suicide prevention awareness, offers hope to families

CHICAGO — Families impacted by suicide came together Saturday to remember their loved ones while offering encouragement to those struggling to find hope.

“Me getting out and sharing my story is helping others and helping me overcome that grief,” said Opokua Osei-Yeboah, who lost her son to suicide just a few days before his 21st birthday.

Osei-Yeboah’s son Jared died by suicide in August 2022. At the time, Osei-Yeboah said she didn’t realize Jared, a high achiever who was pursuing a career as a nurse practitioner, was suffering mentally.

“My son Jared was an ‘A’ student, graduated from Oak Park River Forest with high honors,” Osei-Yeboah said.

On Saturday, Osei-Yeboah met up with hundreds of others who have experienced similar pain. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness Walk along the lakefront brought awareness to suicide and raised money to help prevent it.

“I think a lot of us here who have lost a loved one to suicide, or worried about someone who has considered suicide or survived an attempt, I really do think, for us, we’re really trying our best to make sure no one else has to do that,” said Sean Connolly, a board member with the American Foundation For Suicide Prevention.

In 2022, over 49,000 Americans died by suicide, and it’s estimated that over 1.5 million people tried to take their own lives that year, according to the American Foundation For Suicide Prevention.

“Let someone know, because everybody in some way has damage and feels alone, and if you reach out, you’re probably going to find someone who understands,” said Richard Ray, a nurse at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

Osei-Yeboah said there are still many days that are difficult for her, but events like Saturday’s Out of the Darkness Walk give her hope.

“It’s very, very reassuring to know that my story is not unique and there are other people out there that have the same or similar type of pain,” Osei-Yeboah said.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, you can call or text the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

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