, 
, 
, 
, 
An estimated 200 people braved a damp, chilly morning in the Luverne City Park Saturday morning to participate in the 2022 “Out of the Darkness” suicide awareness walk.
The event raises money for research to end and prevent suicide and to show community support for those who have lost loved ones to suicide or have struggled personally with suicide.
A balloon release highlighted the reasons people walked Saturday.
“We are united in our goal and determined to bring suicide prevention out of the darkness and save lives,” Stacy Schepel said. “When we are together and connected, we are stronger and we can overcome many challenges.”
She said the balloon release reinforces the message that there is hope for people who are struggling.
“Reach out, not just for yourself, but everyone around you,” Schepel said. “It is hard work, and work that is well worth the effort. You are not alone and you matter; you are enough.”
Her message to survivors was they’re not alone and that with support from each other and many community resources they have hope for a brighter future.
She led the group in a count to three to release the balloons, which represented the light of hope among those gathered in the park.
Schepel encouraged the group to wait in silence while the balloons floated up and away. “To our loved ones, we remember you, we miss you and we love you,” Schepel said. “We wish you were still here.”
Prior to the balloon release, several community members shared their experiences with mental illness and suicide.
Bailey Penning lost her sister, whom she considered her best friend, to suicide in February of 2019.
“Holidays suck; there’s always that one person missing now,” she said. “It’s not fair. Life’s not fair. It’s not the same anymore and it never will be.”
She said losing a loved one to suicide is painful, and she urged those who are thinking about taking their lives to consider their loved ones.
“There is hope and there are so many people around that are here for you,” Penning said. “If you are stuck in a dark place and don’t know where to turn, please reach out.”
Sandi Emery lost her son, Marcus, to suicide in December of 2020, and said she didn’t know he was struggling.
“When Marcus was around me, he always appeared to be mentally and physically strong with a positive, happy outlook,” she said. “So as a parent, his death left me asking myself, ‘What could I have done to prevent this?’”
She said her sense of guilt doesn’t go away, but she draws some comfort from doing what she can to help others.
“… which is why today’s event is important to me. When someone is struggling and left in a situation where it seems that what they are feeling cannot possibly be dealt with, they should not have to feel alone.”
Jeff Cook lost his mom to suicide in December of 2006 after his sister died of leukemia. He was a senior in high school and said his mother had struggled with mental health and addiction since he was little.
“Her actions made a huge impact on my life,” he said. “Studies show that a parent suicide leads to an increased risk of suicide attempts or completions in their children.”
Cook reminded parents that life can be hard, but to know that there is help.
“Never forget the little eyes that are watching you,” he said. “Show those little eyes how to ask for help and all the positive effects help can have for you as a parent and also the entire family.”