On Saturday, June 22, Roxanne Miller-Longtin and Ron Cross of Westfield, MA will be participating in the American Foundation’s for Suicide Prevention, annual Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk in Boston, MA. Participants from across the country will come to Boston to walk more than 16 miles from sunset until sunrise to raise money and awareness for suicide prevention. Money raised from the Overnight Walk will support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, which funds research, creates educational programs, advocates for public policy, and offers much-needed support for those affected by suicide.

For survivors of suicide loss like Roxanne and Ron, the Overnight Walks are a way to feel supported by a community of people who have gone through a similar experience. For those with a connection to the cause, the Overnight Walks provide a sense of camaraderie and a welcoming environment.

Roxanne will be walking to commemorate the life of her only daughter, Selina, who lost her battle with anxiety and depression in 2017. Ron is walking to help all directly impacted by this devastating illness. Each walker raises a minimum of $1000 to participate in the Overnight Walks. They will be walking under the name “Team Selina” as a legacy to her.

Demographically, suicide is the second leading cause of death for young adolescents and adults between the ages of 10 and 34. Currently, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. Every day, approximately 129 Americans take their own life. So, please make a donation to “Team Selina” to raise funds and awareness to one of our nation’s most important causes!

To make a donation and read more about Roxanne and Ron’s reasons for walking, simply type Out of the Darkness Walk Boston in your address bar of your search engine. Click on “Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk” (https://www.theovernight.org/). On the HOME page in upper right hand corner there will be a box with the words “Fundraiser Search”. In the box, type in Team Selina and hit the search icon. This will bring you to our donation page. You can make a donation to either teammate simply by clicking on their name. If you prefer, you can also make a donation by check or Money Order. To do so, please mail to Roxanne Miller-Longtin, 51 Jefferson Street, Westfield, MA 01085 or Ron Cross, 10 Day Avenue, Westfield, MA 01085. Thank you!