By Rebecca Barnes, Publisher, Prince William Living
Sometimes showing up is an act of support. On Saturday, Sept. 12, families, friends, coworkers, students, veterans, first responders, healthcare professionals, business owners, and neighbors will gather at Virginia Gateway for the 14th annual Prince William Out of the Darkness Walk. Some will come in memory of someone they love. Some will come because of their own mental health journey. Others will simply come because they believe no one in our community should have to struggle alone.
All of them are welcome. “The Out of the Darkness Walk is about hope, connection, and saving lives,” said Ellen Shannon, executive director of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s National Capital Area Chapter. “Every year, people across Prince William County come together to honor loved ones, support those who are struggling, and show that no one has to face mental health challenges alone.”
Want to be part of it? Register for the Prince William Out of the Darkness Walk.
The Prince William Walk has been bringing the community together for more than a decade. Since its founding, thousands of people have participated, walking in memory of loved ones, supporting those facing mental health challenges, and celebrating recovery and resilience. This year’s event marks its 14th year and brings the Walk to a new location at Virginia Gateway.
You Don’t Need a Personal Connection to Walk
For someone who has never participated, the name of the event might make them wonder whether the Walk is meant for them. Shannon’s answer is simple: yes. “Everyone is welcome,” she said.
The Walk provides a meaningful place for people who have lost someone or have their own lived experience, but Shannon said AFSP also wants people who simply care about mental health and their community to participate.
“We encourage families, students, educators, first responders, veterans, healthcare professionals, members of the construction industry, business leaders, faith communities, and anyone who wants to make a difference to join us,” she said.
That broad invitation is important because mental health touches every part of a community. You don’t need to know exactly what to say. You don’t need to have a personal story you are ready to share. You can simply show up.
What Happens at the Walk?
This isn’t a morning spent quietly walking from Point A to Point B.
Shannon describes the atmosphere as uplifting and inspiring. Participants will find music, community resources, friends and teammates gathering before the Walk, and families and groups wearing team shirts or carrying signs honoring people they love.
One of the most meaningful traditions is the Honor Beads ceremony. Different colored beads represent the many ways people have been affected, allowing participants to recognize experiences they may share with people standing around them.
“Throughout the event, participants experience a sense of community and belonging,” Shannon said. “Many people tell us they come away feeling supported, understood, and hopeful.”
That sense of connection is one reason families and teams return year after year. According to Shannon, some people initially attend while looking for support following a loss. Over time, some become volunteers, advocates, and team captains themselves.
Their participation becomes a way to honor someone they love while helping someone else feel less alone.
Walking Is Only One Way to Help
AFSP has set an $85,000 fundraising goal for this year’s Prince William Walk, with funds supporting the organization’s work in research, education, advocacy, and support for people affected by suicide.
Locally, funds help support community education, volunteer training, advocacy in Virginia and Washington, D.C., and outreach throughout the National Capital Area.
Programs include Talk Saves Lives, an introduction to suicide prevention that helps participants understand the scope of the public health issue and how people can help, and It’s Real, a program designed to raise awareness about mental health issues affecting students.
AFSP says it is the leading private funder of suicide prevention research. The organization also works through local chapters across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
But you don’t have to raise thousands of dollars or organize a large team to contribute.
People can register to walk, join an existing team, create a team with friends or coworkers, participate virtually, volunteer, donate, sponsor the event, or simply help spread the word.
Register, create or join a team, donate, or volunteer.
A Community That Shows Up
There is another goal for Sept. 12 that can’t be measured on a fundraising thermometer.
“We want every participant to leave feeling connected, valued, and empowered to be part of the movement to prevent suicide,” Shannon said. “Success is measured not only by dollars raised but also by the conversations started, the awareness created, and the lives touched.”
For 14 years, Prince William residents have been having those conversations together.
This September, there will be people at Virginia Gateway who have participated many times. Others will be taking their first steps with the organization. Some will arrive surrounded by a large team. Someone else may arrive alone.
They will all be part of the same community. “We want people to remember that suicide is preventable, hope is real, and no one should have to struggle alone,” Shannon said. “Every conversation, every act of support, and every person who joins the Out of the Darkness Walk helps build a stronger, more connected community.”
On Sept. 12, one way to help build that community is simply to show up and walk.
Join the Prince William Out of the Darkness Walk
Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026
Virginia Gateway, Gainesville
Check-in and activities begin at 11 a.m., followed by the opening ceremony at 12:30 p.m. and the Walk at 1 p.m.
Registration is open to everyone. Participants can register individually, create or join a team, volunteer, donate, or support the Walk in other ways.
Ready to walk with Prince William?
Register for the Sept. 12 Prince William Out of the Darkness Walk
If You or Someone You Know Needs Help
Help is available. If you are in crisis, call, text, or chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. AFSP also recommends the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.
