Courage in Every Conversation AFSP Walk in Miami, 2025
On November 16th, we had the honor of serving as a Community Partner at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness Walk in Miami. People often say Miami has the most beautiful weather, beaches, and people, and on this day, that felt undeniably true. The sky was a perfect blue, the sun was beaming everywhere, and a soft breeze drifted in from the water’s edge. But the real beauty was in the people who gathered at the walk; they were open-hearted, compassionate, and ready to hug, hold hands, and share words of hope.
As the event began, people came to our table in waves, each carrying a story, a memory, or a pain they were brave enough to share. One young lady told us she was walking for herself. Her mother and father stood beside her, walking for her too. As she spoke, I couldn’t help but admire her courage and strength in fighting her mental health battles every day... in her tiny body, I saw the emotional and mental strength of a giant. And her parents… they stood like two pillars on either side of her, steady and unwavering, ready to support her whenever she needed them. My heart overflowed for that family, because they didn’t wait for tragedy to teach them what to do. They learned the warning signs, created a safe space for their daughter to share her feelings, listened with love, and stayed present. These simple, powerful acts of listening, caring, and showing up can truly save a life.
Another woman stopped by and told us she was walking for her father. She shared his name, the year he passed, and what he meant to her. She turned around to show us the back of her T-shirt, covered in messages of hope and lined with 589 names of individuals who died by suicide. She pointed to her right shoulder and said softly, “My dad’s name is in red...the only name in red.” (See pic below) Her pride, her trembling voice, her determination to keep walking in his honor were unmistakable. In that moment, the love between her and her father felt so present, so alive. His name was Alfred. Her name is Nathalie. And her courage in carrying his story forward stayed with me long after she walked away.
I left the event with a heart full of gratitude. The AFSP walks bring together people who are grieving, those fighting to survive, those who support, and those working to save lives. They remind us that none of us walks alone. If you can, I encourage you to find an Out of the Darkness Walk in your area. Your presence, your compassion, your steps…they matter more than you may ever know.
My book, Grieving You, was created from a place of remembrance, love, and hope. It’s available on Amazon and at bookstores worldwide. All proceeds from Grieving You go to In Her Name to promote positive mental health and suicide prevention.
Best Regards
Dr. Michelle Boodoo @ In Her Name
If you or someone you know is struggling, please don’t wait, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Support is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.