To the editor:

I am writing to you in an effort to promote our upcoming Suffolk Out of the Darkness Walk being held at Bennett’s Creek Park on Saturday, Sept. 22.

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in this country. It touches millions of lives — people of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds — but the research is clear: suicide is preventable, and the more people who stand up for suicide prevention and mental health, the more lives we can save.

Ever since this tragedy struck our family, we set a goal to be advocates of suicide prevention and mental health. We want to reach everyone around our community and inform them there is help available. Attending an Out of the Darkness Walk brings the community together, and the support is amazing. The walk has helped me and my family to cope during our loss.

Funds raised support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and its bold goal to reduce the annual suicide rate in the United States by 20 percent by 2025 through research, education, advocacy and support. These walks are truly uplifting experiences, and they grow every year.

Robert Avila

Chesapeake