Walking Through the Night Together for Troy
“I walk for my son, Troy Vaden. Starting from an early age, Troy battled anxiety and depression, and like many who struggle, he carried far more than most people could see. On May 12, 2015, we lost Troy to suicide. He was only 26 years old.
Troy’s sister, Victoria, and I walked in our first Overnight one year after Troy’s death. As we walked through the night together, we realized something powerful — we were not alone in our grief. This complex grief, as isolating as it had felt, was shared by thousands of others walking with us that night. They understood our loss without explanation.
This year was my fourth Overnight Walk, and I continue to walk alongside my daughter — Troy’s sister — Victoria. We walk together as a mother, and a sister, who refuse to let Troy’s story end in silence. Each Walk gives us space to remember, to grieve, and to honor Troy not just for how he died, but for who he was and how deeply he was loved.
Suicide so often takes hold in the quiet, lonely hours. By walking through the night together, we are sending a clear message: no one has to face those moments alone.”