Margaret (Marge) McConnell

Of course we are doing it again...  participating in the Out of the Darkness Overnight! It’s an extraordinary experience where participants from all over the country join together to stop suicide.   I'm returning for my 18th Overnight... weeks prior to the 19th angel-versary of losing my precious daughter Allie and the horrific night that she lost her battle with depression.   

Through a support group of wonderful people that had also experienced a similar tradgedy, Beth & I learned about AFSP and The Overnight "Out of the Darkness" Walk.  In 2008, we signed up for our first Walk and in just over a month we trained and raised over $1000 each.  We exceeded our fundraising goal and much to my surprise walked 18 miles to cross the finish line sometime in the wee hours before dawn. We had shared that night in the streets and parks of NYC with a thousand other people that understood us, grieved like us, shared happy and sad memories, laughed, cried and hugged in complete solidarity to save others from every experiencing this life we live. I have since crossed that finish line in many different cities (Boston, San Francisco, Dallas, Chicago) and each year it’s  with bittersweet and raw emotion, blisters, swollen eyes, stiff joints and an overwhelming sense of pride. Between each Walk, I have volunteered with my local chapter of AFSP facilitating More than Sad, a prevention program for HS students, parents and teachers, I have served as Survivor Outreach Program/Healing Conversation volunteer for newly bereaved families and  I chaired our Chapter’s annual Golf Tournament for 9 years. Through every AFSP “experience”, I strive to keep the memory of Allie alive and do my best to offer hope to others.  

Each year, I have been amazed and so grateful for the support of my friends and family to reach (and exceed) our team goal.  Every tax deductible dollar helps to get us there, but ultimately helps AFSP continue it's mission.  I'm asking for your support once again.  Together we can save lives and bring hope to those suffering from mental illness. 

When I create my fundraising page each year, I consider the new friends that I have made over the last year that may not know our story or why this walk and AFSP are such an important part of my life.  In September 2005, my 16 year old daughter Allie, was diagnosed with clinical depression and we began to navigate the world of therapists, psychologists & medications, (new/ stronger/ switched/ skipped/ added)  with all of the other stuff that happens during Junior year of HS including SAT tests, college research, IB courses, parental boundary challenges, young love, etc. Yet, even with all our efforts, the depression was too much and on July 1, 2006 she ended her life. Her pain ended, but it also transferred over to all of us left in the darkness of life after a suicide.

It gets harder to ask for your support year after year - but it's important to remember that 2020-2022 & the burdens of the pandemic has also caused an enormous burden on the mental health of so many people; and our programs are needed more than ever.   No amount is too small - every dollar will make an impact. In 2006, the year Allie died, 36,000 people around the world died by suicide. Since then our Team Allie has raised in excess of a dollar for each person. 

I’m fundraising to benefit 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. AFSP has set a bold goal to reduce the suicide rate 20% by the year 2025, and I'm proud to be part of that mission.

Thank you for your support in a cause I believe in. Together we can save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. Thanks for visiting my page.  I hope you will click the "donate" button or even consider signing up to "Walk" with our Team.