Learn more about the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s annual Overnight Walk here, and register today! We hope you’ll join us in Chicago on June 13, 2026.
I walk for my son, Troy Vaden.
Troy was born on June 8, 1988, in Walnut Creek, California. He loved the outdoors, science, and the idea of venturing into outer space one day. He was active in Boy Scouts of America, joining in first grade as a Tiger Cub and continued to the rank of Life Scout at age 17. Starting from an early age, Troy also battled anxiety and depression, and like many who struggle, he carried far more than most people could see.
On May 12, 2015, we lost Troy to suicide.
He was only 26 years old.
Troy was a son, a brother, a husband, and a father.
He was brilliant, kind, sarcastic, and deeply loved.
Troy was a graduate student at UC Davis, months shy from graduating with his master’s degree in Organic Chemistry. His life held so much promise, and his absence is felt every single day.
Losing Troy changed our family forever in ways that words still struggle to capture.
Troy’s sister, Victoria, and I walked in our first American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk one year after Troy’s death. We weren’t sure what to expect, but the experience was incredibly moving and eye opening. As we walked through the night together, we realized something powerful — we were not alone in our grief. This complex grief, as isolating as it had felt, was shared by thousands of others walking with us that night. They understood our loss without explanation. In addition to other survivors of suicide loss, those participating in the Walk included people with their own lived experience, as well as people supporting others and those who simply realize that suicide is a leading cause of death and want to do their part to help raise awareness and funds.
The walk began as the sun was setting over the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Standing there with Victoria, watching the sky change from light to dark, felt symbolic in a way I didn’t fully understand at the time. We were stepping into the night carrying Troy with us — his memory, our love for him, and our determination to keep his story alive. That moment has stayed with me ever since as a reminder that even in darkness, there can be beauty, connection, and hope.
This year will be my fourth Overnight Walk, and I continue to walk alongside my daughter — Troy’s sister — Victoria. We walk together as a mother, and a sister, who refuse to let Troy’s story end in silence. Each Walk gives us space to remember, to grieve, and to honor Troy not just for how he died, but for who he was and how deeply he was loved. People affected by suicide all process their loss in different ways, and find different things helpful. While my husband, Len — Troy’s father — does not walk with us, he supports us fully in this journey. His encouragement and love are a steady presence behind every step we take, reminding us that there are many ways to walk alongside someone, even without being on the route itself.
Once people register for The Overnight, they are connected to a Walker Coach who supports them in preparing for the physical challenge of walking what is typically 16 miles (depending on that year’s host city and route), and their fundraising efforts. Walking overnight is physically demanding, but the emotional journey is even deeper. There are moments of exhaustion, moments of tears, and moments of quiet connection with strangers who feel like family by sunrise. Suicide so often takes hold in the quiet, lonely hours. By walking through the night together, we are sending a clear message: no one has to face those moments alone.
We cannot change what happened to Troy. But together, through walking, fundraising, and sharing our stories, we can help save someone else’s child, sibling, partner, parent, or friend. We can help create a future where mental health struggles are met with understanding, compassion, and hope — rather than silence and stigma.
That is why I walk.
For Troy.
For Victoria.
For every family affected by suicide.
And for a world in which love, grief, and remembrance become catalysts for change.
Learn more about the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness Walks, including Community Walks, Campus Walks, and the annual Overnight.