What I Put in AFSP's April Newsletter

This is what I stated in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention April newsletter

Ashley Fieseler
1) Why are you walking in The Overnight?
I am walking in The Overnight for a woman that I received beauty, grace and life from, my mother. On October 27th, 2005 she lost her life to depression. I take every step in remembrance of her, and for those that need our help, like my mother did. Doing this walk helps me through this crazy journey of grief, being able to meet many others whose heart sorrows like mine.
2) How did you hear about The Overnight Walk?
The way that I heard about The Overnight Walk was through a meeting that I attend once a month, Survivors of Suicide (people who attend this meeting have lost someone they love to suicide). We all participate in the community walks, but I really wanted to volunteer for the big walk, The Overnight Walk. So through e-mail I met two amazing women named Allyson and Gayle, and they inspired me to raise the money and walk.
3) What advice do you have for other walkers?
Advice to give? I sound like Nike, but just do it. I’ve done two bake sales so far as well as giving a speech to a group of wonderful ladies at a church, and I will be doing a car wash and a fundraiser at a restaurant. Doing those bake sales I was so nervous, and it also brought up a lot of emotions. But I just kept remembering why I am doing the walk, to help others. So my friends just ask people. The power of asking is scary but very rewarding. If you get scared, just remember who you are helping.
4) What surprised you most about your fundraising efforts?
I was surprised at how much people wanted to help! It was a little scary at first asking people to donate or help in my efforts to raise money, but I received so much help. At my bake sale when I told people what foundation I was raising money for, they knobbed their heads and said that it was a really good cause. And I was also surprised of the many, many stories that I’ve heard. Upon mentioning the why I was raising money people told me stories of how they lost someone to suicide or of how they themselves have been battling with mental illness. I was really glad, because talking about it was helping to break the stigma.