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Our walks, held in hundreds of cities across the country, are the core of the Out of the Darkness movement, which began in 2004. These events give people the courage to open up about their own connections to the cause, and a platform to create a culture that’s smarter about mental health. Friends, family members, neighbors and coworkers walk side-by-side, supporting each other and in memory of those we’ve lost.

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We offer 12 Campus Walks and 15 Out of the Darkness Community Walks across the Virginia Chapter that are bringing hope to those affected by suicide thanks to over 10,000 registered participants and the people across the commonwealth who support them.

For more information on the Virginia Chapter Out of the Darkness Walk nearest you, choose a location below:

Community Walks (Fall):

Bristol  |  October 26, 2024
Event Website & Sign Up  |  Sponsorship  |  Facebook Group

Charles City  |  October 5, 2024
Event Website & Sign Up  |  Sponsorship  |  Facebook Group

Danville - South Central  |  November 9, 2024
Event Website & Sign Up  |  Sponsorship  |  Facebook Group

Farmville  |  November 9, 2024 
Event Website & Sign Up  |  Sponsorship  |  Facebook Group

Galax  |  November 2, 2024 
Event Website & Sign Up  |  Sponsorship |  Facebook Group

Greater Fredericksburg  |  October 19, 2024
Event Website & Sign Up  |  Sponsorship  |  Facebook Group

Greater Shenandoah Valley - Charlottesville  |  October 19, 2024
Event Website & Sign Up  |  Sponsorship  |  Facebook Group

Lynchburg  |  October 5, 2024 
Event Website & Sign Up  |  Sponsorship  |  Facebook Group

New River Valley  |  Ocotber 12, 2024
Event Website & Sign Up  |  Sponsorship  |  Facebook Group

Richmond  |  October 19, 2024
Event Website & Sign Up  |  Sponsorship  |  Facebook Group

Salem-Roanoke  |  October 5, 2024
Event Website & Sign Up  |  Sponsorship |  Facebook Group

Stephens City  |  October 12, 2024
Event Website & Sign Up  |  Sponsorship  |  Facebook Group

Suffolk  |  October 19, 2024
Event Website & Sign Up  |  Sponsorship  |  Facebook Group

Virginia Beach  |  September 28, 2024
Event Website & Sign Up  |  Sponsorship  |  Facebook Group

Virginia Peninsula  |  October 12, 2024
Event Website & Sign Up  |  Sponsorship  |  Facebook Group

Campus Walks (Spring) - Spring 2025 Coming Soon!

Join a Walk Planning Committee

We depend on volunteers in our communities to plan and host our Out of the Darkness Walks, and we would love for you to be a part of this effort.  If you are interested in volunteering for your local walk committee, please complete our volunteer application.

Meet Our Community Walk Chairs

Amanda Martinez (she/her/hers)
Bead Colors:  Coming Soon  

(254) 220-9741, [email protected]

Bio:
Coming soon

Favorite Thing about the Walk:
Coming Soon

Why I Walk:
Coming Soon

Kristina Williams-Pugh (she/her/hers)
Bead Color:  Orange  

(804) 513-1081, [email protected]

Bio:
Coming soon

Favorite Thing about the Walk:
Meeting new people, spending time with my friends and family. Honoring the memory of those lost and supporting those who attend.

Why I Walk:
I walk to honor the memory of my brother.

April Banks (she/her/hers)
Bead Colors:  Blue, Teal, Purple

(804) 439-1629, [email protected]

Bio:
Hi! I'm April. I am the Co-Chair of the Charles City Out of the Darkness Walk. I work for Henrico County as a Case Manager to individuals with Developmental Disabilities. I am wife of 18 years to Andy, Dog Mommy to Dolly, and Proud Liberty University Grad ( Go LU!). In my spare time, I love to read, I love live music, and just spending time with those I love.

Favorite Thing about the Walk:
The bead table. I love working the table and hearing other people's stories.

Why I Walk:
My reason for walking is two-fold. I walk to support my best friend who lost her son Jonathan to Suicide. I also had a mother who made many attempts on her own life and struggled with mental illness. I walk so other family members will know they are not alone.

Lorrie Eanes (she/her/hers)
Bead Colors:  Blue, Teal, Green, Purple 

(434) 334-2247, [email protected]

Bio:
I am Lorrie Eanes. I have been volunteering for AFSPVA since 2015. I have been a Boad Member, Secretary of the Board, Lead Walk Chair and now am Public Policy Committee Chair as well as a Walk Chair and Board Member. I am a safeTAlk trainer, More Than Sad Trainer and Talk Saves Lives, Its Real and Gizmo Presenter as well as being Asist trained. As a loss survivor as well a survivor of attempts, I feel it my calling to raise awareness of the resources available to those who may be struggling as well as to empower the community to step forward when someone needs assistance. AFSPVA makes all of these things possible and I am grateful to have these avenues to bring hope to people who seek it.

Favorite Thing about the Walk:
Welcoming people.

Why I Walk:
I walk to be the voice for those who feel they have no voice. I walk for those we have lost to suicide as well as those who are struggling to show that where you are now is not where you have to stay. I walk to remember the lives of those we have lost and honor them in remembering the gifts they left us.

David Burgin (he/him/his)
Bead Colors:  Blue, Teal, Purple, Silver  

(484) 903-8690, [email protected]

Bio:
Father, businessman, community member, passionate volunteer.

Favorite Thing about the Walk:
Walking with others that care and want to stop suicide.

Why I Walk:
I walk to support family, friends and military who deal with this, and to end suicide.

Melissa Simmons (she/her/hers)
Bead Colors:  Blue, Purple, White 

(251) 644-4486, [email protected]

Bio:
My name is Melissa Simmons, and my family and I moved to the beautiful state of Virginia nearly 2 years ago from Alabama. I am an RN specializing in the Operating Room, wife and mother of 3 beautiful girls. I absolutely LOVE reading, the beach and a good cup of coffee. This is my first year as Chair and I am looking forward to getting this walk established here in Galax!!

Favorite Thing about the Walk:
The bead ceremony is such a beautiful part of the walk for me. It is incredibly special when others share their stories with you.

Why I Walk:
I walk to honor the life of my daughter Bella who lost her life by suicide at the age of 14. I hope to reach the youth and let them know they truly are not alone and that they are so special and loved.

Shannon Sullivan (she/her/hers)
Bead Colors:  Blue, Teal, Green, Purple, Silver 

(540) 841-7132, [email protected]

Bio:
My name is Shannon Sullivan and I have been a volunteer with AFSPVA since 2019. In addition to being the Greater Fredericksburg walk chair, I am also a current member of the Virginia Chapter Board, the Co-chair of the AFSP Virginia Chapter Volunteerism Committee, and an Advocacy Field Ambassador. I have been a first responder in NY and Virginia for over 25 years. I have experienced first hand the importance of creating a culture that’s smart about mental health-especially in the first responder community. I am honored to be a part of the Virginia Chapter leadership because it allows me to advocate for change, bring hope to those who have been affected by suicide and make a difference in my community.

Favorite Thing about the Walk:
Seeing the community come together to bring hope to those affected by suicide.

Why I Walk:
I walk to honor loved ones and friends who have died by suicide. My uncle died by suicide when I was 11 years old. I have friends and family who struggle everyday and I have struggled myself with my mental health. The first responder community is near and dear to my heart and I walk to support my fellow first responders and let them know that it’s ok to not be ok. Together as a community we CAN fight suicide!

Carl Trost (he/him/his)
Bead Colors:  Blue, Purple, Silver 

(910) 650-2069, [email protected]

Bio:
"Home is where the moving truck stops!" Carl grew up in the Navy, and then as an adult didn't get enough of the Navy, joined serving as a Navy Chaplain for 25 years. Retired to Staunton, Virginia in 2017, and as an adult, has lived in one place for more than five years (which is a notable accomplishment). Claims Virginia Beach, Virginia as home, graduating from high school in 1980, and then from Roanoke College in 1984. Carl attended seminary in Chicago and served in churches in Peoria, Illinois, and Syosset, New York, before joining the Navy in 1993. Not long after joining the Navy, he met and married Annmarie and have been on a marital journey for over 29 years. Ann has five children--their two daughters, their two dogs, and the one she married! Carl is now retired from the Navy and is working with two small churches in the Shenandoah Valley. As a retiree he is fills his time supporting AFSP, leading SafeTalk and TSL workshops, and performing with Staunton's Brigade Band.

Favorite Thing about the Walk:
The energy that is generated by all the participants!

Why I Walk:
My first walk was at the Indian Head Naval Station in 2016 where I was asked to provide an information table on the Navy's ASIST and SafeTalk workshops in the National Capital Area. I then came to Staunton and was invited to join the planning team for the Greater Shenandoah Valley/Charlottesville walk and have been involved ever since. I walk because I have lost a friends to suicide, and as a Navy Chaplain was called upon to intervene with several service members who wrested with thoughts of suicide.

Joan Rosin (she/her/hers)
Bead Colors:  Blue, Teal, Purple, Red 

(434) 426-3751,  [email protected]

Bio:
I am a retired dance teacher who loves to travel and discover new things. I feel blessed to have a wonderful husband who supports my passion for AFSP and has walked tirelessly along side me for the past 10 years. I have 2 grown children, 2 stepsons, and 4 awesome grandchildren. Life is indeed good.

Favorite Thing about the Walk:
My favorite part of walk day is looking out the crowd from the stage and seeing the faces of all the people that "just showed up" like I did at my first walk in 2014. It changed my life when I felt the love and support that day. I love seeing that HOPE on the walkers faces.

Why I Walk:
I walk to support those who have lost a loved one to suicide. I walk to support those who suffer each and every day with the demons of depression and anxiety. I walk to say that I truly understand how you feel when the empty place in your heart is so big you can hardly catch your breath. I feel honored to be a part of an organization that creates a safe, loving space for those to gather and feel the support and love that embraces that hurt. By showing up and uniting together we all can help break the stigma of ignorance toward suicide.

Deanne Adams (she/her/hers)
Bead Colors:  Coming Soon 

(407) 448-8301,  [email protected]

Bio:
Coming Soon

Favorite Thing about the Walk:
Coming Soon

Why I Walk:
Coming Soon

Brandi Jones (she/her/hers)
Bead Colors:  Blue, Teal, Purple, Orange 

(434) 907-3046,  [email protected]

Bio:
In September 2019, I lost my younger brother to suicide. After this event, multiple friends brought the Out of the Darkness Walk to my attention. In 2020, my team and I participated in the virtual event and afterwards, I filled out the volunteer form to learn more about volunteering. In 2021, I joined the Lynchburg Out of the Darkness committee and have enjoyed being able to reach people in my community and help others know they are not alone.

Favorite Thing about the Walk:
Seeing the community come together. There is no judgment, there are invaluable connections made.

Why I Walk:
I walk to let others know they are not alone. To let those struggling or those working through a loss there is hope and that they have support.

Whitney Wilder (she/her/hers)
Bead Colors:  Blue, Teal, Green, Purple 

(434) 221-8819,  [email protected]

Bio:
An introverted mother of two, I live in Lynchburg, VA. I have participated in the Out of the Darkness Walk since 2016. I enjoy using my talents as a writer to work on the Honor Bead Ceremony each year. In recent years, I've been blessed to have my children and husband also serving as volunteers.

Favorite Thing about the Walk:
The Honor Bead Ceremony

Why I Walk:
To bring light to the dark. I have learned on my journey that clarity and healing are possible when you begin to share your burdens instead of hiding them. The Out of the Darkness Community reminds us all that we are not alone.

Emily Bacalis (she/her/hers)
Bead Colors:  Coming Soon 

(202) 839-2174 , [email protected]

If you are interested in volunteering on our Salem-Roanoke Out of the Darkness Walk Committee as a Walk Chair, please contact Emily Bacalis, AFSP Virginia Special Events Manager, at [email protected] or (202) 839-2174.

Samantha Link (she/her/hers)
Bead Color:  Blue, Teal, Green, Purple, Gold

(804) 955-0336, [email protected]

Bio:
Samantha lives in Mechanicsville with her husband and children. She lost her father to suicide 32 years ago. In 1991 suicide was not talked about, and it was not explained to a sad little five-year-old looking for answers. It took her a long time to understand what had happened, which in turn impacted her own mental health. Samantha is devoted to being part of the change. She wants to help educate the public on mental health and suicide prevention as well as advocate for better public policies and support survivors of loss and those who are personally struggling. Samantha is Co-chair of the Richmond Walk, a member of the AFSP Virginia Chapter Education Committee and a Field Advocate. When she isn’t working or volunteering with AFSP you can find her cheering for her daughter at gymnastics meets, or with her daughters camping, hiking, rock climbing and anything else outdoors!

Favorite Thing about the Walk:
Opening Ceremony, Honor Beads, everyone coming together as a community.

Why I Walk:
I walk in memory of my father who we lost to suicide 32 years ago. I walk for everyone fighting for themselves and for everyone fighting for somebody else. I am hopeful that through the walk and the other AFSP resources, we can bring awareness and understanding about suicide. My hope is that all of us who walk are the change for tomorrow…and I hope that we will keep fighting, supporting, and advocating until there is not one more single loved one lost.

Emily Bacalis (she/her/hers)
Bead Colors:  Coming Soon 

(202) 839-2174 , [email protected]

If you are interested in volunteering on our Salem-Roanoke Out of the Darkness Walk Committee as a Walk Chair, please contact Emily Bacalis, AFSP Virginia Special Events Manager, at [email protected] or (202) 839-2174.

Winter Brooks (she/her/hers)
Bead Colors:  Blue, White 

(540) 664-8750 , [email protected]

Bio:
I became involved with AFSP 13 years ago after I lost my son to suicide.  I have 4 children, 8 grandchildren and my husband Ben. My family supports my efforts to #stopsuicide. I am walk-chair for the Stephens City Out of the Darkness Walk as well as volunteer Board Member for the Virginia Chapter of AFSP.

Favorite Thing about the Walk:
Writing a message on the "Remember Me" banner and the honor bead ceremony.

Why I Walk:
I walk so that I can be the voice of Steven, those who struggle and those who are survivors of suicide loss. I want to provide mental health awareness in our community.

Jenny Swinson (she/her/hers)
Bead Colors:  Blue, Purple, Silver 

(517) 414-4647, [email protected]

Bio:
Jenny is a proud navy wife and veteran with 3 children. She prides herself with serving the Suffolk community through her local church.

Favorite Thing about the Walk:
Tolling of the bells to remember lost friends and family by name. Such a solemn experience.

Why I Walk:
After watching friends and military members struggle with suicide for years, the loss of a close shipmate prompted me to get involved and make a difference for those struggling to cope and to demand better for her children's future.

Angie Agar (she/her/hers)
Bead Colors:  Blue, Teal, Green, Purple 

(757) 636-9019, [email protected]

Bio:
Coming soon.

Favorite Thing about the Walk:
The comfort of being surrounded by people who understand how I feel. Understanding the loss and the freedom of openly sharing that loss without judgment.

Why I Walk:
I started walking after the loss of my cousin John. My family in Michigan had been told about the walk in Detroit and encouraged my sister and I to find a walk here in Virginia. She and I both walked in Virginia Beach and have now been walking in Suffolk as well. Walking among so many other who share a similar purpose has helped me more than I ever expected. Out of the Darkness has given a voice to family and helped us heal.

Kristen Goughnour (she/her/hers)
Bead Colors:  Blue, Purple, Orange 

(757) 515-2901, [email protected]

Bio:
Mom, wife, daughter, sister, marketer, soccer player, beach bum, food lover, cat and dog lady and so much more.

Favorite Thing about the Walk:
The people. Just a great feeling of support even from people you have just met.

Why I Walk:
January 3, 2021 was the day that altered my life: for worse, for better, forever. My only sibling, my older brother Derrick, died by suicide. I walk to remember him. I walk to honor his memory. I walk for a world without suicide for my children.

Madi Putt (she/her/hers)
Bead Colors:  Blue, Teal, Orange 

(757) 581-6821, [email protected]

Bio:
Hey there! I was born and raised in Chesapeake & Virginia Beach. I work as a treatment coordinator at a dental office, and spend my free time with my fiancé AJ and our dog Cooper. We love camping, kayaking, and are starting to travel more. I also love gardening and working with AFSP for my own personal happiness!

Favorite Thing about the Walk:
The name buttons- “Walking for ——-“

Why I Walk:
I started to walk for my brother, Dakota. When we lost him to suicide, walking with AFSP was a way to grieve and feel connected to others that have suffered & hurt in the same ways. After being around AFSP more, I realized they are so much more. Now that I have tabled, attended multiple walks, taken Talk Saves Lives training, gone to a state capitol day- AFSP is a beacon of hope and change. So now I walk for my brother Dakota, but also for hope to end suicide altogether.

Adrienne Spillane (she/her/hers)
Bead Color:  Orange 

(315) 717-2641, [email protected]

Bio:
I am a recent mom of two to a toddler and newborn, Edwin and Isidora. I love being a mom, wife, and daughter and live for my family. I'm originally from upstate central NY and moved to Virginia in 2012 to work at Newport News Shipbuilding. I began as an electrical engineer and am now happy to be leading a team as an engineering supervisor in Submarine Engineering. In my free time I love spending time with my family, taking our dogs for walks, getting involved with and attending my church on Sundays, and helping out as much as I can as the Virginia Peninsula OOTD Walk Co Chair.

Favorite Thing about the Walk:
My favorite part of walk day is meeting the walkers. It's amazing to see the support and comradery among strangers.

Why I Walk:
I started walking in 2018 after losing my brother in March 2018 to suicide. He also battled heroin addiction and depression. I started walking to remember him and began volunteering to be part of an organization that brings hope and support to those affected by suicide.