Historic Milestone: Over $1 Million Raised by AFSP Team at Chicago Marathon 2026

A Landmark Achievement in Fundraising for Suicide Prevention

On October 11, 2026, the Illinois Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) reached a new pinnacle in fundraising during the annual Bank of America Chicago Marathon. This year, their Race for Hope team astonishingly raised over $1 million, a milestone unprecedented in the organization’s history. The event has become a cornerstone of community support, uniting runners with a common cause: to raise awareness about suicide prevention and remember those lost to this tragic crisis.

The journey to this monumental amount has been a long and inspiring one. Sixteen years prior, the Race for Hope team consisted of merely nine runners, who collectively raised just over $6,000. Thanks to the growing dedication of participants and supporters, this year marks not only an increase in participants—with over 319 individuals competing—but also a significant enhancement in fundraising capabilities.

Angela Cummings, the executive director of AFSP’s Illinois Chapter, expressed immense pride in the team’s accomplishments. She acknowledged how the endeavor not only promotes fundraising but also fosters healing and hope for participants. “The experiences created through dedicated training and fundraising have made a tangible impact not just locally, but nationwide as well,” Cummings remarked.

Participants in the Race for Hope run with personal stories, each sporting custom jerseys. The front of their tops bears the team logo, while the back showcases individual motivations for participating, including heartfelt tributes to loved ones lost to suicide or personal battles with mental health. Team member Sonali Jain shared her poignant journey, reflecting on the healing process after the loss of a close friend to suicide. The blend of athleticism and advocacy has encouraged candid discussions around mental health and has raised critical funds supporting AFSP's research and educational endeavors.

Team co-captain Steve Moore emphasized the importance of raising awareness in his conversations with donors.