STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Hundreds of Staten Islanders gathered Sunday afternoon at Wolfe’s Pond Park for the annual Out of the Darkness Community Walk, a powerful event aimed at raising awareness about suicide prevention and mental health resources.

Hosted by the New York City chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the free walk comes as suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among New Yorkers ages 15 to 34, according to the organization.

Participants walked in memory of loved ones lost, in support of those struggling and in honor of their own mental health journeys.

Felicia Gambino, co-chair of the Staten Island walk, said the event has had significant growth and success. It surpassed its $50,000 fundraising goal, she said.

“It’s so heartwarming to see the

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