Penn College News

'Out of the Darkness' Walk Brings Hope to Heartbroken

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

The 10th annual Greater Lycoming Out of the Darkness Community Walk, hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Central Pennsylvania chapter and Penn College, attracted 330 participants for a fundraising stroll across main campus. The Sept. 15 event collected more than $15,000 for suicide prevention efforts.


– Photos by Rachel A. Eirmann, student photographer




 

 The crowd hears from Caleb Herrin, a junior at Lycoming College and president of the student AFSP chapter there.

The crowd hears from Caleb Herrin, a junior at Lycoming College and president of the student AFSP chapter there.

The walk is preceded by registration in the Field House, where teams gather and walkers turn in their pledges.

The walk is preceded by registration in the Field House, where teams gather and walkers turn in their pledges.

Friends and family gather in memory of a loved one lost to suicide.

Friends and family gather in memory of a loved one lost to suicide.

Walkers had the opportunity to place yellow flags along the walkway in remembrance ...

Walkers had the opportunity to place yellow flags along the walkway in remembrance ...

... or to offer words of encouragement.

... or to offer words of encouragement.

Members of the PA National Guard add their solidarity to the cause.

Members of the PA National Guard add their solidarity to the cause.

Whether two- or four-legged, walkers aid the fight against despair.

Whether two- or four-legged, walkers aid the fight against despair.

A hundreds-strong throng follows the 2-mile course.

A hundreds-strong throng follows the 2-mile course.

Clockwise from front left, Community Peer Educators David A. Gadalla, Ethan M. McKenzie, Samuel J. Pham and Alexis J. Medero help with promotion and support.

Clockwise from front left, Community Peer Educators David A. Gadalla, Ethan M. McKenzie, Samuel J. Pham and Alexis J. Medero help with promotion and support.