Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk 2011

Twenty-two team members participated in the 18-mile event. Three members worked at Rest Stop 3. And 13 close friends and family joined us for the opening ceremony.

Together we walked 375 miles from dusk until dawn. Together we raised $45,000 to support the research, advocacy, and programs of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Two thousand people joined together for this event, raising a total of $2.5 million pre-expenses.

Over the past five years, the Tommy Fuss Team has collectively walked nearly 1,400 miles and raised over $165,000 to support the work of the AFSP.

The impact of the event far exceeds the money raised. The words of Larry Roshfeld, Captain of Rest Stop 3, sum it up.

"I truly believe that our work at Out of the Darkness will change lives. We'll never know for sure the impact that our presence had, but I like to think that at least for one night, we helped create a world where depression and suicide could be talked about in public, and that was just a little bit less lonely for those whose lives have been impacted by suicide. If we helped save one life, or brought a little comfort into even one pained life, it was a good night's work."

– Larry Roshfeld, Captain of Rest Stop 3

The outreach of the Overnight Walk, in its sixth consecutive year, continues to expand the dialogue about mental illness. People were walking, not only because their lives had been touched by suicide, but for themselves and friends and family members suffering from depression or other forms of mental illness – to raise awareness and remove the stigmas. This included college students and young adults as well as families walking because a loved one was in treatment. Many people approached the Tommy Fuss Team to learn more about "Tommy Fuss," to share their personal stories and to let us know they were inspired by our bringing so many people together to remember Tommy.

It was another emotional, empowering and memorable evening. With love and appreciation to all for your continued support.

– RoseMary Fuss

Coincidences…or Signs of Tommy's Presence?

A Live Bowling Pin in Times Square and Tom Burgers in the Form of Cupcakes. . .

Many of us gathered Friday evening for dinner in Times Square. I am a frequent visitor to NYC, but that evening I was struck by how unusually bright and busy the Square was. I stopped to take it all in and the word that came to mind was surreal, an out of this world experience. Then in the middle of the street there appeared a live bowling pin. Was it simply an advertisement for a nearby Bowling Alley or was it a sign?

That same evening in New Jersey Valerie had stopped to pick up some last minute necessities at Stop and Shop. Something caught her attention – were they cupcakes or were they Tom Burgers? Just enough of them to be enjoyed by our "extended" team as we gathered for lunch before the Walk.

I don't believe in coincidences any more. I believe they were signs of Tommy's presence, his endorsing the work we are doing, encouraging us to continue on this path of helping others, and his way of adding some humor in what otherwise is a solemn event. Yes, Tommy was and is with us every step of the way.

– RoseMary Fuss

Dan's message to RoseMary one week before the Walk:

Tommy is smiling

From ear to ear

For as you walk

He draws near.

And reminds you why

As you do this today

That you are doing

What he would say:

"Please help others

For what I see

In helping them

You are remembering me."

Tommy in New York City

Although Tommy grew up in a suburb of Boston he was a frequent visitor to New York City from a very young age. Initially this meant seeing the sites like the American Museum of Natural History, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Wall Street, Madison Square Garden, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum and other landmarks.

But as he grew older and he had friends living in the city it became a more welcome and familiar place, apart from historic landmarks and tourist venues.

In 2011 as the Overnight once again takes place in New York City we revisit the images that document his time here with family and friends.