Southeast Missouri Suicide Prevention, Inc. held its Fifth Annual Illuminating Hope Glow Walk on Saturday, Aug. 29, in Jackson City Park. The glow walk had more than 250 people in attendance — raising more than $17,000 through sponsorships and online donations, not counting day-of cash donations or merchandise sales.
“We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of our community,” SEMO SP President & Co-Founder Amber Berry said. “The glow walk is more than a fundraiser. It is a safe and supportive space for those who have lost someone to suicide, those who are still struggling and those who simply want to stand in support of others. It brings people together who understand grief, loss and mental health struggles while reminding everyone in attendance that nobody has to walk alone.”
All funds raised through the glow walk stay in the community and support the organization’s education and outreach efforts, support groups and its Counseling Hardship Program. Berry said SEMO SP is a 100% volunteer organization and is not grant-funded. “Its work is made possible through sponsorships, donations and fundraising efforts from individuals and businesses right here in our community,” she said.
Before the walk were two guest speakers, Sydney Deneke and Ashlee Sitze.
Deneke shared her lived experience with suicide and self-harm, starting at the age of 12. “I was unable to deal with unhealthy emotions,” she said. “I was never really given the opportunity to cope with uncomfortable feelings, and because of that, that left the perfect stage for self-harm to take over my life.”
Deneke said she continued to deal with self-harm, as well as issues with drinking alcohol, throughout her teenage years and into her life as a young adult. She attempted to jump off the Cape Girardeau bridge over the Mississippi River, where she was stopped by a police officer.
“I remember the feeling of regret for the way that I’ve lived my life, I remember the feeling of hopelessness, the feeling of despair, depression, but also this strange sense of contentment andhappiness because it was all going to be done,” Deneke said.
She said she received treatment, eventually realizing this was not a life she wanted to live. She is now a peer specialist in what she called a content life. “Life is simple now, and that is a privilege that I never thought that I would be awarded,” Deneke said, adding that it wouldn’t have been possible without her support system.
Sitze, a professional therapist and speaker, spoke about the effects of burnout and how to get out of a cycle of exhaustion and hopelessness. She shared the “lily pad” concept from neurodivergent expert David Gray-Hammond, advising those dealing with burnout and those trying to help their affected loved ones to focus on small, manageable steps instead of trying to get across the entire lake at once.
“Remember you don’t have to do it all right now,” Sitze said. “You just have to take the next best step, and approach those steps with more curiosity, more grace and less overall judgement towards others and especially yourself.”
The opening ceremony also included a presentation of colors from the American Legion Post 158 Honor Guard and the singing of the national anthem by Carley Paxton.
Pre-walk activities included a martial arts demonstration from Missouri Taekwondo Institute’s Sikeston campus, a yoga class with Alex Gould and a cheer performance by After Class Academy.
“Although we hold fundraising and outreach events throughout the year, the Glow Walk is our largest annual event and plays a significant role in allowing us to continue providing these programs, resources and support locally,” Berry said. “The continued support from our community allows us to keep showing up for those who need it and to continue spreading the message that nobody walks alone.”
Southeast Missouri Suicide Prevention, Inc. was established in 2022 to bring awareness to suicide prevention and provide local assistance to those dealing with mental health issues and their families. More information can be found at semosp.org or the organization’s Facebook page.
