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Thank you to our DJ- Steve !

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Thank you to everyone who walked with us and supported the 2025 Northern RI Out of the Darkness Walk. We had 591 walkers and 75 teams come together for hope, healing and connection.

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Together, We Are A Community of HOPE

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Gold Beads: Gold honor beads represent the loss of a parent. Today, Audra is wearing gold beads in honor of her mother, Marcia. She walks as an example of hope to others who have lost their parent. She fundraises for prevention and awareness to hopefully save another family from loss. There is no better way to honor Marcia Duval than by helping others like she did everyday of her life. Thank you, Audra, for being up here with us today and for your commitment in helping save lives and letting others know they are not alone.

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Thank you to Keely Taylor, Board Chair, and the rest of the AFSP-RI board for their support and leadership.

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White Beads: Liz joins us today representing the white beads in support of the loss of a child, and she is here with her son, Austin who is representing the Orange beads in support of the loss of a sibling.  Liz writes, " I wear white beads in memory of our son Melvin who lost his battle on Sept 9th 2024. "Rise and shine and take the day mama" was a frequent morning text from him. His positive energy spread to all who were around him. He was always dancing, no matter whatever storm surrounded him. Your life was made brighter by his big goofy smile, his infectious laugh and his huge bear hugs, and that was always his goal, to make everyone else's life better and brighter. He made it his mission in life to help others, but never could ask for help himself. Raising money for this walk has helped bring light back into our lives. We are so grateful for ASFP and the resources they provide to our sons and daughters who feel as lost and alone as he did. They need to know that the world is a better place with them in it, and AFSP is doing just that."

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Orange Beads: Austin is here with his mom Liz and he wears orange beads in support of losing his brother Melvin. Austin writes, “Today we wear orange beads in memory of our brother, Melvin, who died by Suicide in September 2024. This day has forever changed not only his family's lives, but the lives of everyone who knew Melvin. To know him was to love him and there was no other choice. Melvin was one of the most inspiring people we’ve ever known, the way he could command a room with his infectious laugh and overly big smile was like no other. Melvin loved to talk, read, exercise, all things Marvel, and dance, but most of all he loved being a dad. Today we walk for Melvin and all of the siblings taken too soon. We are grateful to have found comfort in AFSP and walking in his honor to give back, another thing he loved the most. Take the day everyone”. Thank you Liz and Austin for being up here today.

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Thank you to Congressman Amo for attending the Northern RI Walk, speaking about the importance of mental healthcare, acknowledging the resiliency of the community, and presenting Audra Duval with a citation of recognition. Thank you to Missy Ames, AFSP Advocacy Chair, for stewarding the relationship with Congressman Amo and introducing him.

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Green Beads: Green honor beads represent a personal struggle or attempt.  Today we are joined by Matthew.  Matthew writes, "I am here to represent the green honor beads as I have been through several struggles with mental health myself. I have previously been through hospitalizations as a result of it, and spent several months in a partial hospitalization program at Bradley Hospital. The partial program genuinely saved me and changed my life entirely. It brought hope and meaning to me and showed me life was worth living by working on myself along with helping others in the program. By spreading awareness and sharing my story, I hope that I can help bring that same light to others and offer support to someone who may be in a place I once was." Matthew, thank you so much for being with us today and spreading hope to others.

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Teal Beads: Teal honor beads represents supporting someone who struggles or attempted. Dr. Duarte-Velez writes: As Clinical Director of the Mi Gente Program, my team and I have served many Latinx and Hispanic youth who have attempted suicide. I stand here today as a representative of our program to honor their struggles and the struggles of their families. We have witnessed their challenges and the tremendous effort that most youth and families invest in overcoming a suicidal crisis.

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Red Beads: Red beads represent the loss of a spouse or partner.  Representing the red beads in honor of her husband Dan is Denise.  Denise writes, "I lost my husband, Dan, to suicide in May of 2022. He was a kind and loving man who left this world far too soon. Participating in this walk with my granddaughter is our first opportunity to publicly honor Dan’s memory and to raise awareness in support of those struggling with mental health. Our lives have never been the same since he left, but by sharing his story, we hope to bring comfort and hope to others facing similar battles." Thank you Reyana and Denise for being here with us today.

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Rainbow Beads: Supporting the Rainbow beads in support of the LGBTQIA+ community is Danielle.  Danielle writes. The LGBTQIA+ community plays a vital role in suicide prevention by offering understanding, support, and visibility to those who often feel isolated or misunderstood. Especially in our current world; many LGBTQIA+ individuals face unique challenges such as discrimination, rejection and identity struggles. This has a huge impact on mental health struggles. By fostering inclusive spaces and shared living experiences, AFSP helps others feel seen, heard and less alone - especially in moments of deep pain. Having personally been affected within the community, I represent not only for myself, but for all those who have struggled, and for those we have lost. Losing someone to suicide or struggling with mental illness can feel like no one understands, but the strength and compassion within the LGBTQIA+ community reminds us that support and connection are important and possible!

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Thank you to all who shared their stories during the Honor Bead Ceremony. Your stories matter. Thank you to Kim Lees for being the Master of the Honor Beads Ceremony

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Silver Beads: Colin is representing the silver beads today.  Silver beads are in honor of veterans and first responders who have lost their lives to suicide. Colin writes, “ I wear silver beads to honor the lives of veterans we’ve lost to suicide and to remind myself that every step I take in this walk carries their memory forward. Each bead represents not just loss, but also a commitment—to raise awareness, to break the silence, and to stand with my brothers and sisters who are still fighting battles no one can see. These beads are more than a symbol; they’re a promise that I will keep walking, keep speaking, and keep supporting until no veteran feels alone.” Thank you Colin for being here and for your brave service to our country.

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Purple Beads: Purple beads represent the loss of a friend or relative.  Reyana is wearing purple in honor of her grandfather.  Reyana writes, "I wear purple to carry the memory of my grandfather who we lost to suicide. He was a steady, kind-hearted man who always made me feel safe and loved. His absence is something that will never fade, but sharing his story allows me to keep his spirit alive. Being part of this walk today gives me a way to turn my grief into purpose—honoring him while helping bring hope and awareness to others who may be struggling in silence."