ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Illuminating Suicide Awareness, a nonprofit organization dedicated to suicide prevention and awareness, will be hosting its ninth annual Suicide Awareness Walk on April 27 at the St. Clairsville-Richland Township Memorial Park.

The cost of the event is $20 per person; there is no cost for military veterans or children under 12 years of age. Those interested in participating can register online at jerryswalk.org. Walk-up registration the day of the walk will begin at 2 p.m.; the walk itself will begin at 3 p.m.

All proceeds from the walk will be used for suicide prevention and education programs in the Ohio Valley.

“Jerry’s Walk was created by our family to honor my father, Jerry Williams, who was well known in the Ohio Valley and who we lost to suicide in 2011,” said Sandy Williams. “After suffering such a devastating loss, our family was resolute in our commitment to remove the stigma that too often stops those battling with suicidal feelings from reaching out for help. It is important that we don’t allow the tragedy of suicide — and its victims — to fade into the shadows. We lose an average of 47,000 people to suicide every year in this country. In just one week alone last month, Belmont County experienced the loss of seven lives to suicide. We cannot stand by and allow these needless losses to continue; we must reach out and embrace people so that they know they are not alone.”

“The April 27th walk is our ninth annual event. The walk is more than just a fundraiser. This walk is meant to raise awareness and confront the stigma surrounding suicide and, for those who have been touched by suicide, to provide an atmosphere of mutual support. Our goal is to create a safe space for those who need support, as well as for families and friends to remember, reflect, and celebrate those we’ve lost to suicide.”

Anyone wishing to register for the walk or donate to Jerry’s Walk can do so atJerryswalk.org.

About Jerry’s Walk

Jerry’s Walk — Illuminating Suicide Awareness is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the stigma that surrounds suicide and raises funds for suicide awareness and prevention programs.