Now in its eighth year, the From Darkness into Vineyard Light suicide prevention walk continues to raise awareness and give hope to people who have lost their loved ones.
Before the first light of dawn reached Edgartown’s shores Saturday morning, Bend in the Road Beach glowed with the light of propane heaters and a sign that read “HOPE.”
The scene marked the eighth annual From Darkness into Vineyard Light Suicide Prevention and Awareness Walk. Organized by Island suicide loss survivors and mental health activists, the walk bears a name both metaphorical and literal; it begins in the pitch dark and ends after daybreak, symbolizing a departure from the darkness of suicidal ideation for the light of healing.
The lifeguard stand was a beacon for walkers Saturday morning.
The lifeguard stand was a beacon for walkers Saturday morning.
The route looped from Bend in the Road Beach to the Big Bridge and back again, timed so that the sun would rise during the returning journey. Before the walk, about 170 participants in commemorative T-shirts huddled to keep warm while speakers boomed with inspirational tunes like “The Weight” by the Band and “You Get What You Give” by New Radicals. Volunteers danced and flashed lights to keep up the group’s energy.
Organizer Maria Ventura addressed the crowd to thank them for their participation in the event.
“I lost my father 19 years ago, and since then, it has been my mission to help others who are affected, whether directly or indirectly, by suicide,” she said. “Your presence says loudly and clearly, ‘you matter’ to those with suicidal thoughts or ideation.”
From there, walkers headed to the Big Bridge, where they were greeted with sunlight, the sound of bagpipes, and a sign that simply read “LISTEN.” Some participants hitched a ride with Chilmark the ox, who led the walk with a wagon in tow.
Kim Mead-Walters and Jeannie Wright.
Kim Mead-Walters and Jeannie Wright.
Jeannie (Pearson) Wright, who moved to the Island in 1994 and a suicide loss survivor, emphasized the walk’s core mission: to make sure no one has to struggle alone.
“I want to tell every one of you, you do not have to be in the darkness,” she told the crowd. “There’s light. There are friends.... Tell somebody you’re hurting.”
Walker Maryellen Wyman, an Edgartown seasonal resident, told the Gazette she’s not normally up at dawn. She got out of bed early to walk for her best friend’s son Peter and her cousin’s husband Kevin, both of whom died by suicide.
For her, the walk was a way to honor their memory.
“It’s hard to understand suicide,” she said. “Being out here early and walking gives you time to reflect.”
Local and national suicide resources:
Samaritans of Cape Cod Crisis Hotline: 988
Bay Cove: 1 (833) 229 2683
Veteran crisis line: 1 (800) 273 8255
Youth Crisis support free text: 741 741
NAMI Cape Cod: (508) 778 4277
Trevor Hotline for LGBTQ Youth: (866) 488 7386
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