BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:
I’m Melissa Wright in Aksarben where neighbors are coming to get to honor and remember those lost to suicide and to show their support for others who are battling mental illness.
Thousands of neighbors came out to the 20th Annual Out of the Darkness Walk. Kent Sona says this day is special to him, his wife and his beloved son Austin.
“In 2019 my wife and I lost our son Austin. He had struggled with depression and ended up losing his battle.” said Sona.
Sona says his son Austin was always the life of the party.
“He loved to make sure everyone was laughing, he just had a great heart. A great spirit. He was 25 when he lost his battle.” said Sona.
Sona says he wishes he knew help was right in his neighborhood.
“The closest we could find help for him was in Texas. I didn’t known about the FSP, I didn’t know that might’ve been available in this community.”
Foundation for Suicide Prevention fund raises for those affected by suicide and those who support them. Grace Manley With the AFSP says this is about supporting those in the community and helping them find the resources they need.