My name is Seth and I am a survivor of suicide loss.  My father (Lyndle), brother (Holland) and, most recently, cousin and officiant of our wedding (Domanic) all tragically took their own lives.  They were all amazing men but unfortunately were overcome by their own darkness, pain, addictions and mental illnesses.  Although Lyndle, Holland and Domanic left us far too soon, they will never be forgotten.

On July 27, 2019, I will be participating in the Alcatraz Sharkfest Swim for the sixth time to honor Lyndle, Holland and Domanic.  It is a 1.5-mile journey through the San Francisco Bay waters from Alcatraz Island to San Francisco.  One of the scenic backdrops during the swim is the Golden Gate Bridge.  Since 1937, over 1,600 people have killed themselves by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge.

The suicide rate in the United States has surged to the highest level since 1986: 13 deaths per 100,000 people.  Also, mental illness is increasingly prevalent in our society and ninety percent (90%) of those who die by suicide had a diagnosable psychiatric disorder at the time of their death.  Mental illness alone and 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, brother and cousin 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 (the “AFSP”).  In 2014 and 2017, we raised $27,734 and $27,660, respectively.  This year my personal fundraising goal is to raise $50,000 by the time I jump in the water on July 27!  Fifty percent (50%) of the funds raised will go directly to my local San Diego AFSP Chapter and the other fifty percent (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.  The AFSP's tax identification number is 13-3393329.

I included some great pictures of Lyndle, Holland and Domanic here I am sure you will enjoy. 

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.