Seth Garrett profile picture

Seth Swims for Suicide Prevention Awareness

A personal campaign sponsored by Seth Garrett

April 25, 2014

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My name is Seth and I am a survivor of suicide loss. In 1997, both my father, Lyndle, and brother, Holland, tragically took their own lives. They were both amazing men but unfortunately were overcome by their own darkness, pain, and mental illnesses. Although dad and Holland left us far too soon, they will never be forgotten.

On June 7, 2014 I will be participating in the Alcatraz Sharkfest Swim to honor dad and Holland. The swim is a 1.5 mile journey through the San Francisco Bay waters from Alcatraz Island to San Francisco. One of the scenic backdrops of the swim will be the Golden Gate Bridge. Approximately 1,600 people have committed suicide by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge. Notably in 2013 alone, 46 people committed suicide there (almost 1 person per week), making it the largest single-year count on record.

Mental illness is increasingly prevalent in our society and sadly, it is completely treatable. Mental illness alone and even its combination with alcohol and drug addiction can make sufferers feel there is no way to escape the darkness and pain other than to take their own lives.

I am escaping from Alcatraz to honor my dad and brother and to show that even out of the darkness of the San Francisco Bay waters, the light at the finish line can shine through. Please join with me in the fight to help people who, in the darkness of their pain, are contemplating taking their own life, as well as those surviving families and friends who suffer from suicide's devastating effects.

I am asking you for a donation, no matter how big or small, that will all go to benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Due to the overwhelming support and generosity shown during the campaign, I have increased my goal to raise over $25,000 by the time I jump in the water on June 7th! 50% of the funds raised will go directly to my local AFSP-San Diego Chapter and the other 50% will go directly to AFSP-National. The AFSP is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Every donation is deductible as a charitable contribution as allowed by law. AFSP's tax ID number is 13-3393329.

I have also included some great pictures of dad and Holland here I am sure you will enjoy: https://www.flickr.com/photos/123948281@N02/.

The AFSP is the only national not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to funding research, developing prevention initiatives, and offering educational programs and conferences for survivors, mental health professionals, physicians, and the public. All of the proceeds to benefit the AFSP.