Out of the Darkness Walk Speakers Tell Their Stories
Betsy Vick, who grew up in Macomb, lost her nephew to suicide in 2016 and things changed irrevocably for her family.
Adam, the son of Vick's sister, Susan Vick Denecke, who coordinates Macomb's annual Out of the Darkness event, was Betsy's first nephew, born 11 years before her own child.
'I poured a lot of love into him, and I feel the loss very deeply,' she shared.
Vick, along with Cynthia Paidipati, who serves on the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Illinois Board, will share their stories at this year's Out of the Darkness Walk (OotDW) Saturday, Sept. 19. Registration/ check-in for the event will begin at 9 a.m. on the front lawn of Macomb's City Hall, with the program set to start at 10 a.m. The 11th annual Macomb/McDonough County event brings together individuals who have lost friends and loved ones to suicide, and those who want to help raise awareness for suicide prevention.
Adam died at the age of 27 on Feb. 2, 2016. Denecke formed the first walk in Fall 2016 to honor her son's memory and help others, with the first walk being held at Lakeview Nature Center. Each year, Adam's friends and family gather together, along with 100+ others from near and far, to remember friends and loved ones. The Litchfield family, who lost their husband and father, Randy, to suicide in February 2016, lead the walk each year.
According to Vick, as part of the 2026 program, she will address grief, what that journey feels like and why AFSP programs are important.
'These events are good reminders that we are not alone. Sometimes the loss feels so personal, yet there are many who share the same loss due to suicide, and it can be a comfort to come together with others,' she added. 'I want people to know and understand that many people share this journey and AFSP is there to help.'
Vick stressed while there is no single answer that works for everyone when it comes to providing a shoulder to lean on for someone who has lost a loved one or friend to suicide, support is critical. Just being there is the best thing to do, she shared. And to help reduce stigma surrounding suicide – and even talking about, Vick encourages people to wear their OotDW shirts, bracelets and other AFSP gear with pride.
'There is no shame losing someone to suicide. There is only stigma if people stay silent, so being out in the world talking about suicide when you have the opportunity is important,' she shared. 'You never know who might be listening, and it might prompt a conversation that saves a life or just lets someone know you care.'
In addition to serving on the AFSP Illinois Board, Paidipati has served as a healthcare professional for over 25 years, working as a pediatric oncology nurse, mental health nurse practitioner, professor, researcher and educator. She first learned about AFSP when she was working at a children’s hospital as a pediatric mental health nurse practitioner, and her department attended an OotDW.
'I am passionate about mental health and suicide prevention. I also focus time and energy discussing health equity and reducing health disparities, especially in mental health,' she said. 'I am a proud board member of the IL AFSP and a volunteer at the Chicagoland Walks. What keeps me invested in this work is the youth and families who benefit from the education, outreach and community support provided by AFSP.'
As Vick pointed out, Paidipati sees the importance of events such as the annual walks as they bring people from all walks of life together who have been affected by suicide.
'We come together not only in loss, grief, and sorrow, but in joy, hope and love. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect beyond your circle and build community with one another,' Paidipati stressed. 'It's important to know you are not alone. Whether you have lost a loved one, struggled yourself or know someone who is experiencing a difficult time, there is hope. Others, like you, want to make the world a brighter place where mental health is valued and lives are saved.'
Following the brief presentations by Vick and Paidipati, a short stroll will take place around Macomb's Downtown Square. While there is no cost to take part in the Out of the Darkness Walk, participants raising $150 for AFSP will receive the 2026 t-shirt. This year's sponsors include Capital Power, the Brendon and Sawyer Memorial Golf Outing, Therapeutic Solutions of Macomb, McDonough District Hospital Behavioral Health Services, North Central Behavioral Health Systems, Bridgeway, Tri-States Public Radio, Community News Brief, City of Macomb and Macomb Park District.
Registration, though not required, can be done online at afsp.org/macombil or at the event.
