In the pre-dawn hours of June 9^th 2019, you’ll find about a thousand residents walking the tree-lined streets of Pleasantville with a purpose.

They’ll be out supporting Break The Hold (BTH), an organization formed as an outpouring of grief and love upon the loss of Brian T. Halloran, a popular and well-liked Pleasantville High School graduate.

In response to the shocking realization their son had succumbed to depression, Brian’s parents turned their unimaginable tragedy into a powerful and affirmative call to action, reaching out to the community to help others who might be suffering from the same afflictions which took their son’s life.

The most compelling effect of the BTH mission is that, instead of the hurt shattering its residents, BTH has created a legacy that has made Pleasantville stronger than ever. In just a year’s time, the BTH organization has committed to “Break The Hold” on mental illness and has made significant strides in education and suicide prevention.

All of Brian’s friends, classmates, and teammates have rallied in response to BTH. Brian had an infectious smile, and it continues to brighten the faces of those who knew him.

Pleasantville is known for some outstanding community happenings: A fabulous Farmers Market, a bona fide Music Festival, not one but two 2018 NYS Varsity Championships, and many impressive High School theater productions, but to engage in something as dynamic as this cause truly defines the fervent bond that is the Pleasantville community.

On the 2nd anniversary of this event, it is a spectacular site to witness the love and dedication which joins neighbor to neighbor. Brian’s close friends and family will light paper lanterns that soar up into the sky, and the walk goes from darkness to the light of dawn, signifying help, awareness and hope. It’s an incredible gift that the entire town has been given, that no one should ever be made to feel alone.

Register to participate

The 2019 “Into the Light Walk” will be on Sunday, June 9th | Check-in 4:00 A.M. | Walk starts promptly @ 4:30am

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