It's a tragedy far too common across the Empire State and the nation — losing our friends and loved ones to suicide.

A brave young woman from Central New York is training for an overnight event in the Big Apple to let people know the first step toward help is the hardest, but there's a few things you need to know.

The first thing that anyone should know when facing tragic loss is that there are always resources.

"When you lose someone to suicide, it feels like a very isolating situation that no one else really understands," said Emily Derrenbacher. "And in being part of so many events, talking to so many people, you realize just how many people are impacted."

Derrenbacher knows all too well. She regularly gets laced up and walks the trails along Onondaga Lake. After losing her brother, Reed, in 2014, every step takes on renewed meaning.

For almost a decade now, she's been heavily involved, locally, as one of "Reed's Warriors" in the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention walks.

"He always knew how to make people laugh. And he really brought a lot of fun and life to every room that he walked into," she said. "And that he was somebody that always knew how to make people feel celebrated and loved and important."

It's something she'll look to carry on for all those who are left behind.

"When Reed died, I didn't really know the resources, my family and I didn't know what was out there. And for those who have lost someone to suicide or who are going through."

For those still here, the questions start to mount. What could I have done? Where were the signs? How do I go on?

"Someone gave me advice," said Derrenbacher. "To find the piece of the person that you lost that you loved the most, or that you admire the most, and make that a piece of you."

She chooses to wake up every morning, committing herself to her family, work and advocacy.

"For a long time, I'd wanted to be part of this walk and they do it in different cities every year and this just felt like the right year to join in walk in New York City," she added.

The funds people like Derrenbacher will raise go to local chapters of the foundation and research for suicide prevention.

But maybe more important for those who will walk is sharing stories of their loved ones.

"Talking about Reed, I think, brings more attention because there's so many stigma surrounding mental health and suicide and he doesn't really fit what people think of," Derrenbacher said. "And I think that's the important part in suicide awareness is shedding light on the people rather than the way they died. It's more about the way they lived."

This is a way to grieve, heal and help.

"Just finding a way to show other people that they aren't alone and that they can talk about it with someone," she added. "You're not alone in what you're feeling."