by Nelson Galetambage
International Humanitarian and Peace Recognition Ball. Saturday April 9, 2011. This year we decided to do something different and we went INTERNATIONAL. What does that mean for us? Well it means that we went in search of people to Honor that left a positive impact on the world around them. They did not need to do something internationally it simply meant that we got the word out internationally that we were looking for people who made a difference in a positive way simply because they could and decided to.
We received 54 nominations world wide. That is when the work began, most of the 54 nominees were deserving of recognition based on what we were told but we had to take it a few step future and we needed to interview and find out for ourselves about these people. A few declined and did not want anyone to know what they do and others could not tell us enough. It has been after many hours of research, meetings, interviews and searches that we have names 9 people who we believed to be within what we were looking to recognize as true Humanitarians. Please click on our International Humanitarian and Peace Recognition Ball area to see who we chose and maybe next year it will be YOU!!!.
Details ...Cranford Resident to Walk for Suicide Prevention Wednesday, 27 March 2013
Out of the Darkness Overnight Will Take Place in Washington D.C. June 1-2
Marisa Fazio, associated writer
Cranford, NJ – On June 1st through 2nd Marisa Fazio will participate in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s (AFSP) Out of the Darkness Overnight, a 16 to 18-mile walk from sunset to sunrise, to raise funds and awareness for suicide prevention.
“I was diagnosed with depression at the age of 12. It’s a constant battle to fight the darkness. There is a horrible stigma around it, but depression is no one’s fault and certainly not demonstrated for any means of attention. It’s real and it’s painful and we need to help in any way that we can.
We need to let our youth know that there is no shame in depression or “mental illness” and there IS help available to them. So many teenagers and young adults are turning to drugs and alcohol to numb the pain. Drugs and alcohol are never the solution. Most people need some combination of medication and therapy. Even with medication there is a great need to learn new tools to cope with your emotions. Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a cutting edge but little known type of therapy that is proven to be very effective for many people who struggle with intense emotions. It’s important for close friends and family to be educated so they can effectively support a healthy lifestyle for that person and recognize signs that they may be at risk for suicide. No one should ever have to suffer alone.
A very close friend and co-worker of mine lost her son to suicide last year in February. Scott C. Bellucci. He was only 24 years old. I’m walking in The Overnight this year in his honor and for her family. According to AFSP close to one million people will make a suicide attempt and more than 38,000 will die by suicide in the U.S. this year. I want to take action to prevent suicide,” said Marisa.
The Foundation hopes that by bringing this event to the nation’s capital it will elevate a national conversation about suicide prevention as well as motivate leaders to take more action regarding this serious public health problem.
Proceeds from the Out of the Darkness Overnight support research and a variety of prevention, education and advocacy programs including distribution of the Foundation’s More Than Sad educational program on teen depression and suicide prevention to high schools across the country.
To support Marisa Fazio visit her fundraising webpage at http://theovernight.donordrive.com/participant/MarisaFazio. For more information about The Overnight, call 888-The-Overnight or visit www.TheOvernight.org.
If you or someone you know is in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, remember that help is available. For more information about suicide such as risk factors and warning signs, visit www.AFSP.org.
