Welcome to the Personal Fundraising Page of Lauren Palmisano

On January 25, 2007, I learned that my friend Chris Makin had taken his own life. After struggling to understand what has happened, how my friend must have felt, and what I could have done differently, I am hoping to seek some comfort in trying to help prevent this tragic event from happening to others in the future.

Therefore, I'm asking that you help me raise money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. This organization also works to promote awareness and education about depression and other mental health problems. I know that this is an important cause because I often find myself explaining to people who don't know much about depression that: it can be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain; it's an illness, not a character flaw; and that it's a problem that can improve and is worth treating.

I also hope this event will help remove the social stigma felt by suicide survivors and sufferers of all mental illnesses. In order to address these problems in a comprehensive way, we must first talk about them openly, without fear or embarrassment.

In addition, this group also runs suicide hotlines, and support groups for survivors of suicide -- something I truly appreciate at this time. To help show my commitment, I'll be participating in the Out of the Darkness Overnight Experience, a 20-mile walk over the course of one night.

I hope that you can find it in your heart to support me as I walk in memory of my friend. He was such a beautiful, thoughtful person. He loved nature and animals. He was interested in Buddhism, philosophy, and martial arts. He was tall, quiet, and had a graceful spirit; and was kind to every person I ever saw him meet. One of the last things he wrote was a request for all of us, all people, to treat everyone with compassion. He gave without remembering, and took without forgetting... and I would do anything if I could change what has happened.

Together we can prevent others from this same tragic end. Won't you please support this important cause?

Feel free to check out my Overnight Walk MySpace Page.

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