Laurie's Legacy Hits $40,000

I have just had the privilege of contributing the extra funding to push the "Laurie's Legacy" team over the $40,000 mark! After accessing the team website at Laurie's Legacy, I noticed that the total was dangerously close to the $40k mark. I just had to contribute again to push it over the line.

This weekend is the long awaited event: The Overnight is a 20-mile walk that begins at 7pm July 16th, and continues through the night, ending sometime around 4:30am on July 17th. Although Cheryl and I cannot make it up to Chicago for the event, I am so incredibly proud of every one on the team who has committed to do this. From raising funds, to training, to raising suicide awareness -- everyone on the team has gone way beyond the call of duty. I am awed by the level of dedication by this amazing team.

Many of us are not actually doing the walk, but if there is any way you can: GO DOWNTOWN AND CHEER THIS WEEKEND. Here are some details you will need to know: Click Here.

In case you didn't believe suicide was a major problem in our country, here are a few facts for you:

• Every 18 minutes someone in the U.S. dies by suicide.
• Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S.
• Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for young adults aged 15 to 24.
• More than 20 million Americans suffer from depression, more than coronary heart disease (7 million), cancer (6 million) and AIDS (200,000) combined.

I ache every day when I wake up and realize that Laurie is no longer here. It is a difficult, grueling battle to stay on top of this emotionally. Just yesterday I realized again that I am so far away from being "over this".

So, this week I will pray for and try to encourage the faithful Overnight walkers. Raising suicide awareness will save lives -- depression is treatable. This is a noble cause.

In awe of the Laurie's Legacy team,

greg

For More Information: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention