O/T - Please donate if you can

[wnbfwarriorpro]

I am reaching out to everyone I know, personally or through the Net. I lost my brother John on March 12 of this year. He would have been 50 on June 2 and I will be walking June 4-5 to celebrate his birthday. Anyone interested in being a part of Team Fitter or making a donation, here is the link:

http://theovernight.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&eventID=500&participantID=3481

[AustrianOakJr]

Geeze, Rich....I didnt hear the news before this. I am so sorry. I recently had a family member attempt to take his own life and the sadness that it brings the family is overwhelming....I cant imagine if he had been successful. Ill add your fam to my prayers. I checked out your site but they need a credit card (I only use mine in emergencies). Anyway to donate with paypal?

[wnbfwarriorpro]

Geeze, Rich....I didnt hear the news before this. I am so sorry. I recently had a family member attempt to take his own life and the sadness that it brings the family is overwhelming....I cant imagine if he had been successful. Ill add your fam to my prayers. I checked out your site but they need a credit card (I only use mine in emergencies). Anyway to donate with paypal?

Hi Sean,

Thanks so much. I really appreciate your sentiments and support. I will find out if PayPal is accepted.

[wnbfwarriorpro]

Checks can be sent to:

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
120 Wall Street
22nd Floor
New York, New York 10005

On the check, please write The Overnight/Rich Fitter 3481

[wnbfwarriorpro]

From the website & my donor page:

Please support me as I take an amazing journey. The Out of the Darkness Overnight Experience is a 18-mile walk over the course of one night. Net proceeds benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, funding research, advocacy, survivor programs, education, and awareness programs – both to prevent suicide and to assist those affected by suicide. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is the leading national not-for-profit organization funding research and education programs needed to prevent suicide, and assisting family members after this tragedy. AFSP offers opportunities for survivors to become involved in prevention and advocacy. By walking in the Out of the Darkness Overnight you will be helping to support the following:

Research to improve the understanding of factors that contribute to suicide;
Suicide prevention of college campuses through the dissemination of an educational film;
International Survivors of Suicide Day conferences;
Development of national centers that will evaluate the effectiveness of suicide prevention treatments;
Creation of new survivor support groups;
Local suicide prevention programs in the Massachusetts region.
On March 12, I lost my big brother John. This would have been John's birthday weekend and he would have turned 50. Growing up he was a big part of my life, helping me through difficult times, encouraging me to pursue my dreams and always looking out for me. This past year, he became even more involved in my life and rediscovered the importance of his family. Not a day goes by that I don't think back at how much this meant to all of us. When John learned that he would be an uncle again, he became even more involved in my life and surprised me with a beautiful crib for my son. It was a typical generous gesture for those who knew my brother, but an amazing surprise nonetheless. The last time I saw my brother was when he was holding my newborn son Luke a few weeks before Christmas. It is my favorite memory of him and it is somewhat fitting that it was my last. He left me a message a few days before he passed, telling me he was proud of me and looked forward to getting together. I was planning Luke's christening with my wife and recalling memories of my brother when I received the news that John had taken his own life. My brother has left my family and his friends with so many great memories of a kind, caring and fun-loving person, but he also left us with so many unanswered questions as to why. I am walking to raise money to help raise awareness, in hopes that a greater understanding and communication will prevent this from happening to other families. Perhaps, if there had been, my brother would have felt more comfortable asking for help. I love you John and I know you will be walking with me.