Last Sunday, Stevens’ campus hosted the Out of the Darkness Walk, which brought together hundreds of people to support the cause of suicide prevention. This marks the seventh annual walk hosted at Stevens. Check-in for the event began at 9 a.m., and the walk kicked off a little after 10 a.m., allowing attendees to find parking and meet up with their team.
The Stute talked with Melanie Ciappi, one of the main organizers for this past weekend’s walk, as well as all past walks in Hoboken, who gave some insight on what goes into setting up this event. “We start planning about a year in advance,” commented Ciappi. “There are months of pre-planning that involve getting in contact for space, finding sponsors and volunteers, and holding monthly meetings to discuss the event.” The culmination of their work this year brought 794 participants, with many joining one of the 74 teams formed. A grand total of $82,951 was raised for the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention by participants and other supporters of the cause.
Before the walk began, participants were given the opportunity to walk around to the different tents and partake in various activities. At the stations, there was bracelet making, opportunities to win prizes, snacks for the participants, and even free samples of pickle juice from one of the sponsors of the event, Pickie. For those who wanted to continue to donate to the cause, another tent had volunteers selling shirts and other clothing items themed for the Out of the Darkness walk. Additionally, participants could grab honor beads to wear to show why they walk, with each set of beads symbolizing various personal connections to the cause. A Loss and Healing tent was set up as well, offering participants the opportunity to tell their story and share hope and remembrance.
Following an introduction to the event from a few speakers, including Dr. Eric Rose, Executive Director of Wellness and Director of CAPS at Stevens, the walk commenced. The route took participants on a 2.4-mile walk along the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway. Teams walked together with many wearing shirts showing friends, family, or other loved ones who they lost to suicide. “I walk in memory of my brother lost in 2009,” stated Ciappi, “And the walk is a nice time to come out with friends and family in his honor. It’s nice to connect with the community and others who have gone through similar experiences to show support.”
The work for suicide prevention is continuous, and there are ways that members of the Stevens community can start to get involved. In relation to the walk, starting a team can be a great step in getting others involved and more aware of the cause. Additionally, if you think someone is thinking about suicide, it is important to reach out, listen to their story, show you care, and ask them directly if they are thinking about suicide. An important number to keep in mind is 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which can be contacted 24/7. Together, we can bring greater awareness to suicide prevention and further show that no one is alone.
