On April 16, 2011 I photographed the Out of the Darkness Campus Walk in McHenry, IL. About 160 walkers braved the 40° temp mixed with wind and rain. By doing so they helped raise more than $11,000 that goes toward “AFSP’s (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention) vital research and education programs to prevent suicide and save lives, increase national awareness about depression and suicide, advocate for mental health issues, and assist survivors of suicide loss” (from afsp.org). Having personally been affected by suicide and experienced its impact on my family, this is a cause I feel strongly about and am glad to help with my photography.

This year my asssistant Brian Bieschke joined me to document this campus walk (although neither of us walked the route because rain and cameras don’t always get along). The walk route went from McHenry West high school to McHenry East high school and back. Afterwards, walkers and volunteers mingled and enjoyed pizza and beverages—and tried to warm up and dry out!

Thank you to everyone who participated, sponsored, donated and prayed for this event! While it’s sad to see just how many people have been personally affected by suicide and mental illness, it’s encouraging to see how many are willing to support this worthy cause.

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