I often sit and reminisce about life before Jake died. 

Jake had a deeply caring and generous heart. He was always available to help others. A true caring and loving spirt, he touched all who knew him with his infectious smile, joyful laughter, practical jokes, love of animals, especially dogs, his huge bear hugs, his enthusiastic love of the SF Giants, his special appreciation of his friends, his intense love for his family. Jake was a young man, not quite an adult, attending college 3 1/2 hours from home. His brother, his best friend, was nearby in the same town and they saw each other frequently. He was happy a lot of the time. 

But there were those sad times, times he felt hopeless, with agonizing pain, times darkness surrounded him. 

He was a sensitive soul, a bright light on the crest of becoming who he was destined to be. 

But that never happened.

We will never know what Jake was thinking, feeling, experiencing late that Sunday night in February 2008 when he could no longer fight the darkness and his unendurable pain. Six days later he was taken off life support. 

My story is not unusual. 

Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the US.

Suicide deaths in 2023 reached 50,000 according to the CDC.

For every suicide recorded, there are many more attempts. 

In 2023: 

12.3 million people has suicidal thoughts

3.5 million people had a suicide plan

1.7 million people actually attempted suicide 

There is 1 death by suicide every 11 minutes, everyday.

22 Vets die by suicide every day.

PTSD, transitioning from military to civilian life and dealing with disabilities contribute to the increase of mental health issues in Vets.

1 in 3 adults will be diagnosed with depression in their lifetime. Depression rates in 2023 were 29%, up from 19.6% in 2015.

Stigmas related to mental health keep many people from seeking help.

70% of children needing help with mental health issues are unable to find appropriate practitioners. 

Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in 10-14 year olds.

Suicide is a disease, an illness and generally the most misunderstood of all sicknesses. It is an emotional cancer, heart attack, stroke.

Suicide is preventable using timely evidence based interventions. The AFSP (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention) is at the forefront of research, education programs, loss support for suicide survivors and advocacy in the fight for suicide prevention. Despite post Covid increases in suicide rates due in part to social isolation, the AFSP continues with their bold goal to reduce the suicide rate 20% by the year 2025. 

June 22nd, 2024, as part of Team Jake Millertime, I will participate in my 7th Out of the Darkness Overnight, a 16-18 mile journey to benefit the AFSP, walking alongside thousands of others from dusk to dawn and symbolically “Out of the Darkness”.  

I walk to honor Jake as well as all those thousands who have suffered and died by suicide. Your support of me in my personal journey to bring awareness to suicide prevention and benefit the AFSP is deeply appreciated. Contributions are 100% deductible either by credit card or by check payable to AFSP. I am eternally grateful for any support you can provide monetarily, spiritually, emotionally.                         

Jake’s death has left a huge hole in our lives, a void that is felt every day. I never want another family to experience that kind of devastating loss. As I carry Jake’s spirit in my heart and celebrate his life, I will continue to work toward a world without suicide. Losing my son, my child has made THIS my life’s journey.

With sincere gratitude and much love, 

Mary Jeanne

Https://www.theovernight.org/participant/45602