Out of the Darkness - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

Out of the Darkness

   It's estimated that over one million people attempt suicide every year... 36,000 succeed..

   Today, family and friends take steps to prevent any future suicides in the community.
Jon Schaeffer speaks with many who are walking out of the darkness... to get the word out.

   Meet John Lucier-- A desert storm veteran--and someone who has lost a loved one to suicide.
John Lucier "In 2009 we lost our son--he was 19 I actually have been on both sides of suicide I tried to take my own life."

   Instead of becoming a statistic... He is stepping out of the darkness to help others.
"My son he was basically a giver he would give his shirt off his back to anybody and I just think this was just the way to get a hold of him to carry on what he was doing. If we can stop one suicide we've done our job."

   The fifth annual Out of the Darkness walk at the Capital Grounds raises money for that purpose.
Susan Wagner (Co-Chair) "It's a walk that raises awareness about suicide as well as provides support and hope for people who experienced the loss of suicide as well as individuals who might be struggling themselves."
a connection that reaches far, and no matter who you walk for, this event is a reminder of the impact people have on us.
"It's pretty overwhelming to see the numbers and you realize that all of these people have been affected and just sort of puts it into perspective."

   North Dakota lost 114 people to suicide last year.
There are close to 250 Out of the Darkness Walks that happen all across the country.