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Out of the Darkness walk puts spotlight on rising suicide rates

CURRIE — In Minnesota, the suicide rate jumped 40.6 percent between 1999 and 2016. So while the topic of suicide is an extremely difficult one to talk about and understand, it’s becoming increasingly more important to have those conversations and create awareness in the effort to turn the alarming trend around.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. suicide rates jumped 30 percent between 2000 and 2016. Suicide is now the second-leading cause of death for all Americans aged 10 to 34 years old.

In 2016, there were 745 deaths by suicide in Minnesota — one person every 12 hours on average. It’s the eighth leading cause of death overall, but the second leading cause of death for people ages 15-34 and the fourth leading cause of death for individuals 35-54.

In southwest Minnesota, a group of dedicated committee members are seeking to bring suicide prevention into the spotlight, where people can find resources and support in an effort to make a positive difference.

Currie’s 4th annual Out of the Darkness Walk is scheduled for Oct. 6, with registration starting at 9 a.m. They and others who have signed up to walk or have donated to the cause, join about a quarter of a million people from hundreds of cities across all 50 states who will take part in American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) community walks this year.

“We’ve all been touched by suicide in some way or another,” Laura duCharme said about committee members. “Many of us have had a family member die by suicide, so we’re hoping that by doing this, we reduce the stigma and allow people to talk about it. We’ve been there, so we can try to help people or be a source of support for others.”

The Out of the Darkness Walk started two decades after duCharme’s husband, Terry Vandromme, died by suicide.

“Four years ago was the 20th anniversary of losing my first husband to suicide,” she said. “We wanted to do something to kind of commemorate that. I also have so many friends who have lost loved ones — kids, parents, siblings and the list goes on. We wanted to pull together to do one of these walks.”

Along with duCharme, Kris Tiegs was instrumental in helping get the local Walk going.

“Kris and her sisters had been doing walks in the Twin Cities, but it gets hard with the traveling, getting hotel rooms and all that, so we tried to bring this to this area,” duCharme said. “Kris and I got (the Walk) going. She lost a nephew to suicide.”

Tiegs’ nephew, Nick Hanson, died in 2011 at the age of 27. On Facebook, she shared that Hanson lost his battle with mental illness — specifically, depression — seven years ago.

“We walk to raise awareness of this crippling disease,” Tiegs said. “We walk to raise money for more research. We walk to support those who have lost loved ones to suicide.”

According to the AFSP, more than 50 percent of all people who die by suicide suffer from major depression. If one includes alcoholics who are depressed, this figure rises to 75 percent. Sadly, depression is among the most treatable of psychiatric illnesses.

“There’s so much focus on the big city areas like Duluth and Minneapolis, but where we don’t have a lot of support is out in this area,” duCharme said. “So they’ve brought someone on board. Cassandra Linkmeyer is the coordinator for southwest Minnesota. She’s working with us now to help get us resources in this area, which is great.”

As the Minnesota Area Director for AFSP, Linkmeyer recently presented Currie’s Out of the Darkness Walk committee members an award — 2017 Top Community Walk per Capital Fundraising.

“We’d like to think a small town can make a difference,” duCharme said. “We’ve raised about $33,000 over the past three years. And our sponsorships have grown this year.”

AFSP keeps its administrative costs down as low as possible — currently 15.7 percent, according to the organization’s website — so that more of the financial contributions can go toward research, programs and advocacy. Donations are deductible as a charitable contribution.

“We see a new family or new team every year, which is somewhat disappointing (because suicide has touched another family), but we’re very glad for everyone to join us,” duCharme said.

Committee member Koreen Ziemke said she was “absolutely” willing to help out when duCharme asked her three years ago.

“My brother (Bob Ziemke) died by suicide 22 years ago and there’s a feeling of being powerless when something like suicide happens,” Ziemke said. “Doing the Walk takes away a little of that sense of helplessness. I can’t bring my brother back, but if I can help others from having to go through that same type of pain, it is so worth is.”

While suicide prevention is highlighted during September, which is National Suicide Awareness month, Ziemke said she, duCharme, Tiegs and other committee members — Tonya Gregg, Shari Thomas, Tiffany Molitor, Kari Meyer, Jody Illg, Julie Hansen, Susan Sik and Mary Chelin — hope the Walk brings even more attention to the issue.

“I walk to bring suicide awareness,” Ziemke said. “I walk for my brother Bob.”

According to duCharme, Ziemke is one of the biggest cheerleaders.

“Koreen has been so helpful,” duCharme said. “When she joined us, the Walk really took off.”

The Pelican Pontoon Pussycats are among the organizations that plan to donate to the cause. The Pussycats are holding their next cook-off fundraiser — comfort food — on Sunday at Breezy Barn.

“People can bring in their favorite comfort food to be judged,” duCharme said. “There’s a free-will donation, so people can also come and eat.”

The cook-off event begins at 1 p.m.

“Proceeds will be going to the Currie’s 4th annual Walk out of Darkness,” Ziemke said.

For more information or to sign up for the Walk Out of the Darkness on Oct. 6, go to: afsp.org/currie. While prior registration is preferred, participants can also register during check-in time from 9-10 a.m. at End O Line Railroad Park and Museum in Currie.

At 10 a.m., Balaton author Luke Nelson will speak to those in attendance. Nelson was the victim of vicious bullying and admits he contemplated taking his own life at one point. While faced with developmental challenges of a brain injury at birth, Nelson said the devastating effects of bullying compounded his feelings of worthlessness and pain even more.

In his recently-released book, “Against All Odds,” Nelson shares his story about overcoming extreme adversity — by believing in himself, having faith in God and leaning on others.

“Luke Nelson will be speaking that morning of the Walk,” duCharme said. “He’ll also have a book signing there.”

The Walk will take place after Nelson’s presentation.

“People can walk or they can be a virtual walker,” duCharme said. “There are a lot of people who can’t walk, but virtual walkers can still come to the End-O-Line and support us. We’ll be on the bike path and it’s not a long way. It’s from End-O- Line to the Currie Dam and back.”

One important aspect is that individual walkers can be put on teams or people can sign up in big groups.

“Nobody walks alone, even if somebody doesn’t have a team,” duCharme said.

There is also a silent auction and free-will donation meal afterward.

“Anyone, even people who didn’t walk, can participate in the silent auction and meal,” duCharme said. “we’ve having barbecues, hot dogs, chips and bars. We can also accept donations that day, too. We just encourage people to come join us so we can raise awareness and funds for the cause.”

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