Chris Tackett - In Memory of Dennis Tackett

In October 2005, our 26 year old son Jeff Tackett died by suicide. In that moment our lives were changed forever, as my husband Dennis and I struggled to make any sense of this tragedy and also struggled with our grief. We felt so alone and helpless. The following month, we attended our first International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, and found ourselves with a whole new community - a community of people who have all been impacted by suicide. During the program we learned about The Overnight, an annual dusk to dawn walk of approximately 16-18 miles, with goals to raise funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and to raise awareness about suicide and mental health issues as we walked through the selected city streets overnight.

We decided we would try to train for the 2006 Overnight, being held in Chicago that summer. Every day after work we would lace up our walking shoes and walk. We walked and trained together, and I fondly remember those afternoon walks as the first start of our healing. We raised funds and flew to Chicago to attend The Overnight. We were physically ready for the walk, but were not at all prepared for the Overnight event itself. It was an overwhelming experience that I can’t describe. We were surrounded by thousands of other individuals who also had been impacted by suicide in some way. And we made friends there who have become lifelong friends.

Dennis and I have raised funds and participated in The Overnight every year since then, from coast to coast, in Seattle, San Francisco, Dallas, Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC. In some of the years there were 2 walks, and we did both a couple of times. We’ve participated in 22 Overnight walks over the years. Every year we are brought back not only because of the mission, but also because of the camaraderie of this group of people who have truly become a second family for us. We come back for all of the hugs, the tears, the laughs, and The Overnight itself  I have sometimes volunteered as I wasn’t able to actually walk, but Dennis has walked in each of the walks we attended.

Unfortunately, this year will be very different for me. My sweet husband and soulmate Dennis Tackett passed away on February 28, 2025 from a very aggressive form of acute myeloid leukemia. Now there is no more “us” and no more participating together. He will be in my heart and on my mind the entire night. I am not walking but am a member of the Crew, who serve in vital volunteer roles along the route. 

I am therefore raising funds this year In Memory of Dennis Tackett, who will be missed by many and especially by me. Please consider a donation in support of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Net proceeds will help those affected by suicide and mental health conditions by supporting research, advocacy, survivor resources, education, and awareness programs. Learn more about AFSP 

Thank you for your support in a cause I believe in. Together we can save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.