CRANBERRY TWP — It was only a three-quarter-mile walk, but for some, it represented the idea that hope is on the horizon.

The Rotary Club of Cranberry Township’s fourth annual Suicide Prevention and Awareness Walk was held Saturday, May 18, during the Rotary District 7280 annual conference at the Pittsburgh North Marriott Hotel in Cranberry Woods.

John Marshall, outgoing district governor, explained that the project theme he pursued during his tenure as governor was mental health awareness, prevention and care.

Marshall said his Rotary clubs supported Anchorpoint Counseling Ministries, of Ross Township in Allegheny County, which provide counseling and other mental health services regardless of the clients’ ability to pay, and mental health services at VA Butler Healthcare.

About 60 walkers comprised mainly of Rotarians from Butler and Allegheny counties donated $25 each to do the walk on the paved walking paths in Cranberry Woods Business Park.

Marshall warned those in attendance, some of whom wore pictures of loved ones or friends they lost to suicide, that there was a slight hill along the course.

“But it’s an Ohio hill, not a Pennsylvania hill,” he said.

After presenting a $5,000 check to Mark Heinbockel, executive director of Anchorpoint Counseling Ministries, the walkers proceeded to the entrance to the Marriott and took off on the course.

Darla Huffmyer Motta, a Keystone International Rotary E-Club member, carried a picture of her father, who committed suicide more than 10 years ago at age 76.

Motta said his father received a cancer diagnosis and had an appointment with an oncologist to find out his type of cancer and prognosis.

But he decided to end his life before receiving that information.

“I assume he didn’t want to be a burden,” Motta said. “He wanted things his way, but it destroyed me.”

She hopes sharing her father’s story will help others realize help is out there for anyone considering suicide.

“You have to be able to bring the darkness into the light,” Motta said.

She appreciates Marshall focusing on suicide awareness and prevention as part of his Rotary district’s projects and fundraisers.

“It’s so important,” Motta said. “It’s an area that doesn’t get enough attention.”

Rotarian Ken Sinagra finished the walk first alongside Beth Marshall, a member of the Rotary Club of Zelienople.

Sinagra’s wife lost a stepbrother to suicide less than 10 years ago.

“I hope people take away a raised awareness and that there are people you can talk to if you’re having a tough time,” he said.

Marshall agreed.

“I walked because I think mental health awareness is very important,” she said. “I hope people learn that if they’re feeling stressed, to seek support.”

Cathy Baker, a Zelienople Rotary member, also participated in the walk.

“Someone close to me lost their son,” she said through tears. “I hope people go home more aware, and offer support to families who’ve been through it.”

Henry Anna, a retired Slippery Rock University professor and Cranberry Rotary member who is 82, walked part of the course Saturday.

He remembered his cousin, who died by suicide many years ago.

“We need to get more people to more help on this,” Anna said. “Most suicides can be prevented.”

Abby Smith, president of the Slippery Rock Rotary Club, has participated in the walk three times.

“It’s very meaningful to everyone involved,” Smith said. “I hope people learn that you’re not alone, and there is always going to be someone who cares about you and is thinking of you.”

Those who walked were given a small, folded yellow paper when they finished that contained a colorful butterfly.

Walkers were given a cotton ball soaked in butterfly nectar so the butterfly could spend a few minutes with them before being released.

The butterfly release was meant to symbolize freedom and rebirth.

Mary Berge, a psychologist and past district governor, said local events like the walk held Saturday are very important to those who feel lost and isolated.

“A local event may tap into someone living here who didn’t know someone cares,” she said.