On Saturday, October 11 we joined thousands of people nationwide to walk in one of the 2008 Out of the Darkness Community Walks, which benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). The AFSP is at the forefront of research, education and prevention initiatives designed to reduce the number of lives that are lost to suicide. Every 16 minutes a person dies by suicide, ending more than 31,000 lives a year in the U.S. (over one million worldwide). Suicide is also the third leading cause of death among teens and young adults.
As many of you know, a good family friend Kristin Harkness died on February 22nd 2008 after a night of binge drinking with friends during her freshman year at FSU. While we still don't believe she meant to take her own life that night, The Harkness family formed Team Kristin to remember Kristin and to help increase awareness about substance abuse and suicide prevention so that hopefully others will be saved from this tragic fate. We walked to remember Kristin and to celebrate the love, laughter and fun-loving spirit she shared with family and friends during her short life.
Kristin's FSU Stone
Kristins head stone
The Harkness Family - Eric, Jessica, Kristin, Linda and Tom
Krysta and Ryan sporting our "Team Kristin" shirts
Team Kristin
Maurene and Ryan playing around when they should have been stretching
Mrs. Harkness stretching - Maurene talking
Burke Lake
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