The Walk for D.E.S., Suicide Prevention 5K walk or run, will begin at 11 a.m., September 8, at Manheim Township Community Park, in Neffsville. The name is an acronym that means Detect Early Signs and also honors Desmond Schantzer, who died by suicide in 2011. Walk for D.E.S. provides an opportunity to remember individuals who have died by suicide, meet others who have lost someone and raise awareness about suicide.  

“Lancaster lost 61 people to suicide last year, and it is the second leading cause of death among the 15- to 24- age group,” shares Mark W. Schantzer, president and founder. “Per Walk, we help 350 to 400 survivors interact with other survivors, which helps us all get to tomorrow a little better than today. We raise money to support awareness events and help those impacted by suicide with funeral and counseling costs.” 

 Individual and team registrations, as well as monetary donations, are welcome. 

Cost: $25/adult; $15/student. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.. Location: 209 Petersburg Rd., Neffsville. For more information and to register online, visit WalkForDES.org.