PENFIELD, N.Y. — A message of hope and a tribute to those lost at a Rochester area walk raising awareness and money for suicide prevention.

The annual Rochester Out of the Darkness Walk benefits the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Over 1,000 people took part in the event, held at Veterans Memorial Park in Penfield. The event raised more than $125,000 for research, advocacy and education programs supported by AFSP of Western New York.

Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Advocacy groups have worked hard to erase the stigma surrounding suicide.

The walk honors those lost to suicide and recognizes the friends and family members impacted by struggle and loss.

The Rochester walk is one of hundreds held in communities throughout the country.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts, call 988, the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.