POULSBO — Nicole Tong of Poulsbo will participate in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness Overnight, an 18-mile walk from sunset to sunrise to raise funds and awareness for suicide prevention, June 27-28.

“On Dec. 28, 2014, we lost my brother Evan Tong to suicide. No one saw it coming, as he was surrounded by friends and family and showed no signs of depression or struggling,” she wrote.

“But he made his decision, and although I know there is nothing I can do to bring him back, I am proud to walk to support AFSP. Because of walkers and donors, AFSP has been able to set a goal to reduce the annual suicide rate 20 percent by 2025.”

According to AFSP, close to one million people will make a suicide attempt and more than 40,000 will die by suicide in the U.S. this year.

“It is important to know that suicide can be prevented,” Tong wrote. “That is why I am walking in the Overnight. I want to take action to prevent suicide.”

Proceeds from Out of the Darkness Overnight support research and prevention, advocacy and education programs including distribution of the foundation’s More Than Sad educational program on teen depression and suicide prevention to high schools across the country.

To support Tong’s effort, go to theovernight.donor drive.com/participant/nicole tong.

If you or someone you know is in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, remember that help is available. For more information about suicide risk factors and warning signs, go to afsp.org.