2021 Calendar of Events

Join us!  (Check back soon, as more events will be added as they are planned!)

March 2, 2021

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, 2021

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 donated a birthday cake for a foster child today.

April 24, 2021

Central Texas/Round Rock ISD Campus Walk – This is a combined virtual campus walk for all of central Texas, including Baylor University. I have been asked to be the face of the white beads for the virtual bead ceremony. Please join me in walking wherever you are to raise awareness for suicide prevention. It is so important to get the word out that suicide is never the answer, especially to our high school and college students. You can join my team, Carrying On, here:  Carrying On

June 26, 2021

The Overnight Out of the Darkness walk is a virtual walk again this year.  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.  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, 2021

World Suicide Prevention Day – To help spread awareness about suicide prevention, please share our story, say a prayer, release a balloon (skip if you have environmental concerns), 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.

September 25, 2021

NAMIWALKS Central Texas – “Walk with us to promote awareness of mental health and reduce stigma by sharing stories and walking together, to raise funds for NAMI’s mission of advocacy…, and to build community and reassure people they are not alone.”  As of September 12th, this is now a virtual walk. Once you sign up, I will let you know the plan for our team walk that morning.You can join my team, Carrying on, by clicking on this link: CarryingOn .

October 23, 2021

Austin Out of the Darkness walk – Please plan to walk with me to raise awareness for suicide prevention, create a sense of community for those who have lost loved ones to suicide, and to inspire Hope in those struggling. Details TBA, but this is being planned as an in-person event at the Capitol (we will probably meet for a group photo before the walk). As of September 12th, they have updated the website and are not planning a formal opening or closing ceremony.  I will develop a plan for our team to gather, either downtown or in Westlake, and we will plan to walk as a group. Sign up and I’ll keep you up to date on the details.  . You can join my team, Carrying on for Carrie, by clicking on this link: Carrying On

We want to help all those suffering from mental illness realize what God has promised: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you Hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11. This Bible verse was still hanging in Carrie’s dorm room on 10/26/17.