JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – Volunteers from Jacksonville came together Sunday for the annual “Out of the Darkness Walk” for #suicide and #mentalhealthawareness.
The #AmericanFoundationforSuicideandPrevention’s North Florida Chapter organized the walk in Jacksonville Beach.
The money raised will help provide resources for those battling #mentalhealthissues.
Pamela Howard is walking on behalf of her son and others who couldn’t make it into the light.
“We are supporting people and letting them know that life still matters and we’re here for them so. We’re here to celebrate life, those who didn’t make it and for those who are still fighting the fight,” said #mentalhealthadvocate Pamela Howard.
#Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the #UnitedStates, according to research by the #AmericanFoundationforSuicideandPrevention. On average, the AFSP says there are 130 suicides a day.
“Everybody in some way shape or form has been impacted by #mentalhealthissues or has a loved one that has lost somebody by #suicide,” said walk chair Stefanie Shaughnessy.
#AmericanFoundationforSuicideandPrevention’s North Florida Chapter hopes to raise $100,000 dollars.
Its goal is to put an end to #suicide and help everyone make it into the light and stay there.
If you would like to donate to the #AmericanFoundationforSuicideandPrevention, click here.
#James Donaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space. #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book,
#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:
From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
