Montclair Resident Raising Suicide Prevention Awareness

This past January, Montclair resident Maya Pitts lost her dear friend Madison Holleran to suicide.

Pitts enjoyed years of playing soccer with Holleran who was a freshman at the University of Pennsylvania and a New Jersey resident.

“She was an incredible person and touched everyone who knew or met her,” said Pitts.

In remembrance of her friend and teammate, Pitts will be participating in the The 2014 “Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk” in Philadelphia.  

The 16-18 mile walk will take place on June 28-29, and is designed to raise awareness about suicide and suicide prevention.

“In honor of Madison, myself and many of our teammates will be taking part in The Out of the Darkness Overnight Experience,” said Pitts. “In order to help others who are experiencing similar struggles that Madison was.”

The 2014 Overnight Walk - Philadelphia page echo's Pitts’ sentiments in saying, “We walk to bring the issues of suicide, depression, and mental disorders into the spotlight and to fund the work of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - work that will truly save lives.”

In order to participate in the walk, Pitts needs to meet a fundraising goal of $700. The net proceeds benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Pitts understands that “not many people have money to donate” but still wants to inform everyone about the walk and suicide prevention, by sending e-mails and posting on facebook.

“I feel like it’s more about getting the word out and letting people know it is perfectly okay not to donate,” said Pitts. “But just to read the story and know if they are suffering from depression that they are not alone and there are people there for them.”

Pitts has reached 35 percent of her goal and has raised nearly $250.

To donate please visit this site.