He left a short note saying that everything was in order and to call 911. The date was Sept. 3, 2018, when 45-year-old Marc Carazo of Palmerton committed suicide.

On Sunday, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., Marc’s parents Frances and Frank will participate in the Out of Darkness Community Walk in Allentown to raise money and to bring awareness to help prevent suicide.

The Carazos had known for some time that their son was feeling depressed. He took medication that made him feel worse. They had him see a psychologist and a psychiatrist. Marc later had spoken to a minister and a priest as well.

“We thought we had done all we could,” Frances said. “We never once thought he was so depressed that he would take his own life.”

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. In 2017, 47,173 people took their own lives, and in the same year, there were 1,400,000 attempts. These statistics are those that have been reported. It is estimated that the numbers are much higher.

“There is a certain stigma that is attached to suicide and suicide attempts,” Frances said. “Many people don’t want anyone to know that someone in their family took his or her life. They feel ashamed.”

The Carazos want to erase the stigma so survivors of those lost to suicide can get support as well as campaign to help save someone who might be at risk.

“You might think you’re the only one whose lost a loved one, but the truth is husbands, sisters, brothers, uncles and on and on have ended their own lives, and we want to get out the message that help is available.”

One important feature of the help that she speaks about is the support groups that have been formed for families who have lost members to suicide.

Frances explained that at times Marc seemed to be making progress. He had his own artwork business. He made decals for race cars at the Mahoning Valley racetrack. He produced all the artwork for the Halls of Horror haunted attraction in Palmerton.

“Marc was very hard on himself,” Frances said. “He never thought his work was good enough. It also bothered him that he didn’t have a family. His relationships didn’t work out.”

Her son had friends. He liked going to concerts. He also worked for an emergency management association where he helped first responders prepare on 9/11 and for Hurricane Katrina relief.

“He helped others so much, but he couldn’t help himself,” Frances said.

She added that those prone to commit suicide are “not themselves and are in too deep and they can’t get out.

“They finally decide that ending their lives is what they have to do to find peace.”

Despite feeling she and her husband did all they could have done, Frances said that there are many resources to help people learn what signs to pick up on when their loved ones may be in crisis.

“They hide their pain well,” she said, “and suicide occurs with all walks of life and with all races of people. It affects our veterans, too. We have to do more to help them. Suicide is a disease like cancer or diabetes.”

In a moment of reflection, Frances spoke what would be something everyone would say if they have lost a son or daughter to suicide.

“If I could have my son back today, I would do anything.”

The Carazos have taken a proactive role in bringing awareness and prevention to public notice. They encourage readers to visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website for further information.