Out of the Darkness Walk for suicide prevention to be held in Richmond

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Multiple Out of the Darkness Walks for suicide prevention will be held in Virginia locations, including one coming to Richmond on Saturday.

The walks are held by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), which is a voluntary health organization dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide.

AFSP funds research, educates the public, advocates for public policies in mental health and suicide prevention, and supports survivors of suicide loss and those affected by suicide.

Check-in for Richmond's Out of the Darkness Walk is at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, and the walk will begin at 9:30 a.m., with participants walking along Vita Trail in Byrd Park.

Melissa Chase, host of Showcase, will MC the Richmond walk.

As of reporting, donors have raised $131,291 for the Richmond walk, nearing on the goal of $200,000.

So far, there are 943 people registered to participate in the Richmond walk, according to the walk's website.

Before the event on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 8News spoke with Waynette Cox, who will be walking to honor the life and legacy of her son, Andre, who she lost to suicide.

(Photo: Paul Nevadomski, 8News)

"Losing my son this way is devastating," Cos said. "It was very tragic, and it's important that I continue to keep his life and legacy alive, to move forward and to help me help someone else."

She said the walk comes at a time that is close to both his birthday and his death, adding that it's a loss she continues to process.

Cos recommended that anyone participate to support the cause.

For more information about registration and donations regarding the Richmond walk, visit the walk's website.

Additional walks will be held in Charles City County, Newport News, Suffolk, Lynchburg, Fairfax County, the town of Stephens City in Frederick County, the town of Dublin in Pulaski County, Fredericksburg, Galax, the town of Farmville in Prince Edward County and Staunton. Visit the walk's website for further information.