For months I’ve talked about the Out of the Darkness Overnight and last weekend I traveled to New York City to participate in the event.

It was – as I’m sure you’ll recall from the multitude of blogs, columns and articles I’ve written on the topic – an 18-mile dusk ‘til dawn walk to raise money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s prevention and awareness efforts.

Well, I’m happy to say, we did it. Every member of Team Chenango completed the full walk.

The night was a whirlwind. And not only because our team captain, Danielle Marshman Williamson, was trying to set a new land speed record. (We crossed the finish line precisely at 2 a.m., a good three hours before the closing ceremony was due to start.) It was so incredibly powerful to be among so many people committed to this important cause.

From the opening ceremony at Cadman Plaza, through the streets of New York and right up to the finish line, we walked for a common purpose – to bring suicide and depression out of the darkness. In our hearts we carried memories of the loved ones we’ve lost to suicide and all those they’ve left behind.