SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — September is Suicide Prevention Month, which is why a national organization is hosting a walk in Sioux Falls this Saturday.
While the organization has chapters across the United States, families right here in KELOLAND are sharing their story’s on how suicide has personally affected them.
Growing up, Nikki Vallie Harris seemed like a happy girl.
“She loved dance. She loved to perform, she loved theater. So to me, a little I mean, at times I think I could see maybe a little something going on, but I thought very happy, positive child,” lost daughter to suicide, Janine Harris said.
However, a toxic relationship changed Nikki’s life.
“She got into a bad relationship and he was a little abusive and she had to put out a protection order. And within a few days, she just really went downhill,” Harris said.
In June of 2005, 20-year-old Nikki took her own life.
“Sometimes I think that when people are in this state, they can’t see it’s kind of like a tunnel vision and they can’t see past that. And they have thoughts such as, you know, no one’s going to miss me or they wouldn’t care if I’m not here and can’t take this pain. And but that’s not true,” Harris said.
After the passing of her daughter, Janine started a walk at USD in her daughter’s memory, which led her to also get involved with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. This Saturday, they are holding the ‘Out of the Darkness’ walk at the Levitt at the Falls in Sioux Falls.
“This walk is also for those that are family members, friends, neighbors, colleagues, relatives of someone who has lost someone to suicide,” Special Events Manager, Janet Harvey said.
Money raised from the walk helps fund mental health research.
“We have grants that we are funding across the globe, which is fantastic. I believe we currently have $23 million that we are funding in research grants,” Harvey said.
The two ladies encourage everyone to attend the event.
“So if you just know of someone, if you are personally struggling, if you have lost someone. So this walk is a community walk and it is for all,” Harvey said.
“When we have these walks, I have seen with American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the HELP Line Center, lost and found. The people that come up and show up for these, they were loved very much,” Harris said.
The ‘Out of the Darkness’ walk is this Saturday at the Levitt at the Falls.
Registration starts at noon, and the program starts at 1:30.
Click here for more information on the ‘Out of the Darkness’ Walk.
