Students from all campuses are walking to fight suicide on March 18, 2023. This year students are bringing the Out of the Darkness Campus Walk back in collaboration with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Devils 4 Devils, If You’re Reading This at ASU and the Accessibility Coalition. This student-led and planned initiative brings the conversation about suicide prevention to our campus and serves as a fundraiser for research, new resources, and changing the tides of stigma for those seeking help.
The Out of the Darkness Walk retuned to ASU in 2022 after a hiatus. More than 200 people walked and nearly $9,000 was raised for the campaign.
Paige Cornell, a member of the fundraising committee, reflects on her participation. “It was incredibly meaningful and exciting to participate on the planning committee for the Out of the Darkness Walk," she said. “Joining the planning committee, as well as volunteering at the event, enhanced my experience (because) I was invited to be a part of the conversation."
Cornell's participation in the planning process connected her with the experiences of all those that attended and walked in the name of their loved ones. “The most impactful moment from the walk was seeing all of the families and participants show up and select their beaded necklace that matched who in their lives had died by suicide that they were honoring and remembering," she said. "It created a space of mutual vulnerability, care, and empathetic understanding across the entire event."
Carter Bower, who served as Vice President of Devils4Devils at the time of the walk, reflected on his efforts on the fundraising committee. He helped plan many events, including one at McAlister’s Deli. "(It was) very empowering (being) a part of the planning committee and (raising) money for a great event." He reflected on his work being represented during the opening ceremony, where more than 200 people stood together. “The most impactful experience from the walk (was) when everyone held up their beads, which represented why they were at the walk and how they were connected to suicide." Bower returns to the 2023 walk as head of the Fundraising committee, which has a goal of raising $10,000 this year.
Emily Hinsberger, President of Devils4Devils, a group that focuses on students promoting the well-being of students, said being part of the process is a point of pride for her. “Being a part of the planning committee was one of my most proud moments here at ASU. I feel I made the greatest impact in my community by being a voice that said 'let's do this."
“I got to be a part of making a silent community seen and reach so many people," she said. "The planning was something new that I had never done to this level before. It was extremely fulfilling and connective."
Hinsberger opens up as to why this impact was important to her. “The most meaningful moment was writing down who I was walking for. I know many people that (have) died by suicide. It was so uplifting to be around people who experienced the same loss and be present and walk for change, and hope. That hope is still here on campus."
Cornell, Bower and Hinsberger worked together to bring the student body to the forefront of visibility on the topic of suicide. Cornell has since graduated and attends Northern Arizona University, Bower is President of Devils4Devils and is the fundraising chair, and Hinsberger now heads the 2023 Out of the Darkness campaign. She said “I am proud of the ASU community and I look forward to bringing this event back in 2023!”
Register for the walk HERE
If or someone you know is struggling with suicide, help is available.
Resources for ASU Students:
- ASU Counseling Services, call 480-965-6146 Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- ASU’s dedicated crisis line through EMPACT, available 24/7, call 480-921-1006
Resources for the community:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 988
Emily Hinsberger
First Year Master of Counseling