More people die by suicide than car accidents

I have a very good problem right now...but a problem none the less. I am currently fundraising for two great organizations. Since the first organization is for a walk taking place next Saturday, I'll give them their due, and focus solely on them.

Awesome organization #1 - American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. I have been participating in the Out of The Darkness Walk for several years. The organization raises money for suicide awareness and prevention. Every 13.7 minutes, someone in America dies of suicide. That is 105 Americans every day that die of suicide, and is the 10th leading cause of death in the Unites States.

In fact, in a recent study, more American now die of suicide than in car crashes, making suicide the number 1 injury-death in America.

More US soldiers die by suicide than in action.

I hope this opens your eyes. I hope this shocks you. It means that if you have lost someone to suicide, you are most definitely not alone. It means that when you tell your loved ones to drive safe, the truth is they are more likely to take their own life than to lose it on their drive home. I know that's rough, but if we don't face the facts, we will live in medieval times forever and prevention will go nowhere. It means that we need to stand up and fight!

There is hope! 90% of those that die by suicide have a diagnosis and treatable disorder at the time of their death.This is frustrating and makes me angry, but gives me hope that there is something we can do. It makes me angry that suicide is not spoken about more. Where are the PSAs, the billboards, the ribbons? But we cannot focus on the anger; we can only focus on the hope.

It's understandable, but most of those that come to the walk have lost someone to suicide. We share a special but terrible bond that cannot be explained. It's so comforting to know that there are people out there that share your pain. But there are so many affected that are still ashamed. If this is you, you are not alone! Fight for your loved one! If you are lucky enough to not have lost a loved one to suicide, please help support.  We need everyone's help. This is a world problem.

You can be a part of the hope. If not for you, for a friend, for your family. Please consider making a donation to help and support me and Mark's Mates in the Out of the Darkness Walk this Saturday. If you want to see what it's all about, come out. See the hope, see the need. Thank you greatly for your time in just reading this. Awareness is so important. Let the families who have lost someone know it was not in vain.