CHENANGO COUNTY – Suicide is a prevalent problem in Chenango County and this Sunday, May 4 Team Chenango will lead the fourth annual Golf Tournament to fundraise for the Out of the Darkness Overnight walk in Philadelphia this summer. Both the Golf Tournament and the walk will raise money for suicide prevention and awareness. All proceeds will go to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).

“We try to get the word out to break the stigma of suicide that is a big predicament in this county,” said Danielle Williamson, organizer of Team Chenango. She explained that the majority of suicides are preventable and that the golf tournament and walk are also to support community members who have lost a loved one to suicide.

Williamson explained that each member who plans on participating in the walk must raise $1,000. As a group they hope to raise $5,000 to add to the money they raised with their walk/run this past October.

When asked what inspired her to join her first walk Williamson explained that she lost her father 13 years ago to suicide.

“He was a well respected man in this community and it was quite a shock not only for my family and I, but for the county as well,” she said.

In 2010, Williamson decided to join her first overnight walk in Boston and was overwhelmed with the amount of support she received.

“I drummed up so much support that year from friends and family that Team Chenango was formed,” Williamson said. “We ended up walking for many Chenango County Residents.”

While Williamson walked in Boston by herself that first year, her friend Melissa Stagnaro was determined that she would never have to walk alone again. In her blog Stagnaro explains learning about Williamson's story and the importance of suicide education and support.

“In the end, it was thanks to AFSP and the resources they provide for survivors of suicide loss that finally helped her (Williamson) start to heal. Part of that healing has been a desire to turn her own experience into helping others,” states the blog.