Helping Others Has Given Me Comfort Following the Loss of My Son

This past Giving Tuesday, in keeping with an important theme for AFSP this year, “Looking Out for Each Other,” we shared some words from one person — Bill Washington — who has found hope and connection through AFSP following the loss of his son. Bill's words made such an impact through our eblasts that we also wanted to give them a permanent spot here on our blog.

My journey with AFSP began in the summer of 2022, purely by chance. I had stopped by our friend Bruce’s home to drop off a gift, and noticed he was wearing an AFSP Out of the Darkness Walks t-shirt. 

Having lost my beautiful son to suicide, I asked Bruce about his shirt. He responded that he had lost a nephew to suicide. Curious to learn more, I visited AFSP’s website the next day. 

I was eager to get involved and make a difference, as well as meet others impacted by suicide. I began fundraising for the Out of the Darkness Walk in Tulsa, where Christopher had lived. I was proud to be the top fundraiser for the Walk that year, as well as the following year. 

In 2021, I joined the Oklahoma Chapter as a volunteer board member. Since then, I have participated in Advocacy Action Days, tabled at different events to share AFSP’s resources, been involved in corporate fundraising and awareness, as well as a number of DIY fundraisers, attended the annual Advocacy Forum in Washington, D.C., twice, as well as attending AFSP’s Chapter Leadership Conference two years in a row. I have also now participated in two different Overnight Walks, in Boston (2024) and in New York (2025). 

I know the funds we raise for AFSP make a direct impact. I personally feel a deep commitment to promoting mental health and preventing suicide in the Black community. This is why in addition to becoming trained as a presenter for AFSP’s flagship education program Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention, I have also been trained to present L.E.T.S. Save Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention for Black and African American Communities, and why I appreciate AFSP’s commitment to health equity through The Upright initiative. 

I encourage you to be a part of the end of year giving campaign, and to get involved in any way you can. My connection to AFSP has given me comfort following the loss of my son, knowing that I am helping others who have been touched by this leading cause of death.

At the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, your gift makes possible our critical work, which deeply impacts people all across the country on a personal level. Thank you for your continued commitment to our mission.