March 2, 2020

James’ Birthday – Because James was always able to make the best out of any situation, please look on the bright side of every situation you find yourself in today and enjoy a slice of cheesecake to remember how much light James brought into this world. I donated a birthday cake for a foster child today.

April 18, 2020

Carrie’s Birthday – Ephesians 4:32 Day (Carrie’s favorite Bible verse – Be Kind to One Another). Perform a random act of kindness for someone today and then enjoy a cupcake to celebrate the fun that Carrie brought in to this world. I will donate a birthday cake for a foster child today.  I am also walking in the Virtual Round Rock ISD Campus Out of the Darkness walk this morning in my neighborhood. You can sign up to be on my virtual team and walk in the location of your choice here: Carrying On .  Send me a picture from your walk!

June 20, 2020 

The Overnight walk in New York City has gone virtual.  The traditional Overnight Out of the Darkness walk was designed to start at sunset and end around sunrise, so participants were literally walking (16-18 miles) out of the darkness to shed light on the issue of suicide. These walks raise awareness for suicide prevention, provide a sense of community for those recovering from a loss due to suicide, and inspire Hope in those struggling right now. We can still do this virtually. And, because it is a virtual event now, they have waived the fundraising minimum and anyone can participate anywhere. They are strongly discouraging people from walking all night long. We are currently planning to walk approximately 3 miles at 8pm on 6/20/20 and again at 8am on 6/21/20, roughly sunset and (a little after) sunrise. If you think you might take a walk on one of these days, please Sign up and join the Carrying On team. You can start/continue a conversation about suicide prevention and walk in your own neighborhood. Then send me a picture of you walking! You can register to virtually walk with us or support our team here:  Carrying On

September 10, 2019

World Suicide Prevention Day – To help spread awareness about suicide prevention, please share our story, say a prayer, release a balloon, light a candle, and make a donation to the Carrie Cotter Memorial Fund (www.CarrieCotter.com). 100% of donations go to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to help those who are struggling find Hope and choose to Live. We believe raising awareness will reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and then more people will seek help.

October 10, 2020 – World Mental Health Day

NAMIwalks Austin – Because it all starts with mental health.  This is now a virtual event also. You can join our team and walk wherever you are on this day. I have a 2 mile walk planned for those who want to join me in Austin; time 9am.  Route provided when you sign up. Sign up to virtually walk with us or support our team here:  Carrying On 

October 17, 2020 – Texas Together

“Join the Texas Together to Fight Suicide Movement This Fall! On October 17, join us for an Out of the Darkness experience with activities and opportunities to engage with us throughout the day. This will be a statewide initiative for Texans, featuring suicide prevention and volunteer trainings, opportunities to share your story while honoring our loved ones, actionable awareness activities that you can be a part of, as well as virtual platforms for participants across the state to connect with other teams and individuals passionate about suicide prevention and mental health.” More info to come. You can participate by joining our Austin team, Carrying On, by clicking on this link:  Carrying On

October 24, 2019

Austin Out of the Darkness walk – “WAIT … ARE WE STILL WALKING TO FIGHT SUICIDE?  YES! The Out of the Darkness Austin Experience is a real walk, but on your terms: you get to choose your own course, what time you start, and who walks next to you (within social distancing guidelines)! The walking is real—it’s the community that’s virtual this year. While the Austin Out of the Darkness Walk is going to look different this year, the mission to Save Lives and Bring Hope to Those Affected by Suicide has not changed. We are a strong and resilient community, united in our effort to fight suicide, raise awareness, educate our communities, support those who have lost loved ones, and support those with lived experience. We use our voices and share our stories to provide Hope.”  There will be a drive-thru event at Barton Creek Square Mall from 9-1 that day and teams are encouraged to walk together in their own communities either before or after the drive-thru portion.

My plan for Carrying On is that we go through the drive-thru on our own at the beginning of the event. Then we will meet at 11am to walk together and bring the uncomfortable topic of suicide Out of the Darkness and into our local community.  Route information to be provided when you register.  You can join our team, Carrying On, by clicking on this link:  Carrying On