Jennifer Kern
Staff Writer

ìDevastatingî is how Denise Dietz, of Forest Lake, describes last fall for her family. Following years of depression, her husband, Tom, committed suicide and his absence turned the remaining family membersí lives upside down.

ìHe has left behind a wife of over 30 years, three children and their spouses, family and many friends to survive this tragedy,î said Denise.

To help create something positive out of their situation, the family is taking part in the ìOut of the Darkness Overnightî event in downtown Chicago, which will be held July 16-17. The event, which is a 20 mile walk, will benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

The family became acquainted with the event while taking part in a support group in Minneapolis in January.

ìWe have all endured a lot of heartache over the last eight months and we have also learned of a world that we share with so many others that have experienced the same or very similar loss,î she explained.

Denise, son Joe, 27, and daughter Kristi, 23, are walking in next monthís event, which asks that each walker raise at least $1,000 to take part.

However, they have a larger goal in mind.

ìOur goal is to raise $5,000,î said Denise, ìThe Dietz family has made it a priority to assist in bringing awareness to suicide as a mental health disease. The Overnight gives us an opportunity to raise money for suicide prevention, education and survivor programs.î

Their efforts have another purpose as well. The Dietz family want to get word out about their participation in order to honor Tom.

ìI didnít want people to think of him for what he did on Sept. 23, 2004,î said Denise.

She describes Tom as a wonderful husband, father and friend. She also noted that Tom was a dedicated post office employee for 30 years, but also aided her with her daycare business for decades.

ìI donít think he really realized how many lives he touched,î Denise recalled, ìHe was a good role model for the kids.î

To contribute to the Dietz familyís ìOut of the Darkness Overnightî fund or to learn more about the event, call 1-888-644-4805 or visit www.theovernight.org.

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