A Decade of Hope: Celebrating 10 Years of Connection and Resilience at the Fisher Out of the Darkness Walk

In 2016, a movement started with a single step on campus at Fisher. Faculty, staff, and students committed to highlighting mental health as an important element of overall health and well-being.

This year, the campus community will celebrate a significant milestone: 10 years since the inaugural American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Out of the Darkness Walk at Fisher.

While the pandemic interrupted the walk and event, Fisher continued its momentum and commitment to mental health initiatives. 

“This walk is an opportunity for our campus to communicate that we care about the mental health, well-being, and safety of our community,” said Jillian Anzalone-Burgette, assistant director of the Health and Wellness Center and this year’s walk coordinator. “We are so proud to be celebrating 10 years of this critical cause being part of our Fisher traditions that connect our students, staff, and the Rochester community members around a lifesaving organization.”

In the weeks leading up to the walk, keep an eye on Fisher Health Instagram @fisherhealth, where the Center will be highlighting the stories behind Honor Beads, an important part of the AFSP Out of the Darkness experience. The colors of the beads speak a language of shared experience. Each color represents a different connection to the cause—whether a participant has lost a loved one, struggles themselves, or walks as an ally to support the mental health of others.

The Center will also feature speakers sharing their personal connections to the walk, illustrating that while stories are unique, mental health impacts everyone. 

Campus planning partners include the Wegmans School of Nursing, Student Government Association (SGA), the Institute for Civic and Community Engagement, the Office of Campus Ministry, the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership, the Office of Marketing and Communications, Nazareth University, Monroe County Partners for Suicide Prevention, and the Mental Health Association of Rochester.

Corporate sponsors include The Boev Clinic, NAMI Rochester, and Goodwill of the Finger Lakes.

This year, the organizers hope to raise $15,000 to support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to drive research, education, and advocacy.

How to participate:  

• Register or Donate Today: afspwalks.donordrive.com/sjf 
• Walk: Join the Fisher community on the pavement where it all started.
• Share: Help us spread the word and the meaning of the Honor Beads.