ESCANABA - In 2006 - the most-recent year data is available - suicide ranked as the 11th leading cause of death among persons 10 years and older and accounted for 33,289 deaths, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) website.
On Saturday, the community will gather to join the fight against suicide and depression, and spread awareness.
End The Silence, a Depression Awareness and Suicide Prevention Walk, is set for Saturday. The event will be held at the end of National Suicide Prevention Week at the Ludington Park Pavilion in Escanaba.
End The Silence will begin with registration at 8:30 a.m., with the opening ceremony following at 10 a.m. The non-competitive run/walk, which will occur rain or shine, will start at 11 a.m. with 2-, 5-, 10-mile route options. Registration fees are $25 per person and $10 per child up to 13 years old. Registration fees are waived with pledges of $50 or more; collection of pledges optional. Tax-exempt contributions are welcomed.
There will be a brat sale, silent auction, bake sale and a small raffle. To register or for more information, contact the End the Silence Walk at 1215 N. 18th St., Escanaba, MI., 49829, or at its website www.endthesilencewalk.com, e-mail at endthesilencewalk@hotmail.com, or call 789-0003.
End the Silence Walk is being held in remembrance of Bobby and Josh Bintner, two brothers from Delta County, who completed suicide 13 years apart. Both brothers battled secretly with depression and felt they had no other option but to end their lives.