Suicide prevention walk at Jones Beach serves as a call to action

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) hosted its annual Out of the Darkness Community Walk at Jones Beach on Sunday, drawing thousands of supporters committed to raising awareness and funding for suicide prevention. The event serves as both a commemoration and a call to action.

Among the participants was Bette Cole who walked in memory of her daughter Sandra.

“We are walking in honor of my daughter who had a hard time – and now we are doing this in her memory,” she said, highlighting the deep personal losses that many bring to the walk.

Scott Cole, Bette’s son, echoed this sentiment and urged others to reach out to those who may be struggling.

“If you know someone who might be going through a hard time, let them know you’re there for them, let them know you love them,” he said.

Sandra Hurvey Hall, who has dedicated more than a decade to raising awareness after the loss of her son Tenneil at the age of 16, also took part. For over a decade she has been committed to supporting mental health charities and raising awareness.

“I smile, but there is pain that I carry with me every day. As you can see, he was a beautiful child,” she said.

Kalea Sinishtaj, who lost her father to suicide, expressed the need for an open dialogue about mental health issues.

“People don’t talk about it enough, how much impact suicide can have on people and their families, their friends and their loved ones,” she noted, reflecting a shared desire among participants to break the stigma surrounding these conversations.

This annual walk not only serves as a way for individuals like Kalea, Sandra and the Cole family to connect, but is also the largest fundraising event of the year for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Ann Morrison-Pacella, executive director of AFSP Long Island, emphasized the importance of the event.

“This event gives them the opportunity to connect with people who have experienced the same losses and struggles,” she said.