Illinois fundraising record to help save lives, bring hope to those affected by suicide

CHICAGO, Nov. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Illinois Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) set a new statewide fundraising record through its Race for Hope team at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 11. As of today, the team has raised more than $1 million in 2026.

The record amount raised is remarkable considering that 16 years ago the Race for Hope team alone had just 9 runners and raised just over $6,000. The growth of the charity aspect of the Chicago marathon in recent years has now made it a signature event for AFSP.

"What the Race for Hope team has done for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in Illinois continues to make a difference in the United States and our organization nationally," said Angela Cummings, executive director for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – Illinois Chapter. "We are overwhelmed by our runners' achievements this year as they created special experiences for themselves and each other that provide healing and hope."

Race for Hope runners combined their passion for athletic pursuits with a cause: they are part of a Chicago Marathon team to raise awareness of suicide loss and prevention, remember loved ones, or reflect on personal struggles. With funds raised by runner sponsorship benefitting the Illinois chapter of the AFSP, each Race for Hope team member wore a custom race jersey that features the team logo on the front – and their personal reason for running on the back. Many of the team members have lost someone to suicide and display their loved ones' photos; others struggle with their own mental health or support someone who does and have inspirational images or words. The Race for Hope team had more than 319 participants who raised more than $1 million.

"Members of AFSP's Race for Hope Chicago Marathon team have spent the summer training to run 26.2 miles and fundraising for suicide prevention," said Steve Moore, team co-captain and former member of Board of Directors of the Illinois Chapter of AFSP. "By speaking with thousands of donors about suicide and mental health, our team members have spread awareness while helping fund AFSP's research, education and advocacy programs right here in Illinois."

"Training for a marathon and fundraising for AFSP was a healing and inspiring experience that helped me recover from the recent loss of one of my closest friends to suicide," said team member Sonali Jain. "I had eye-opening, honest conversations about mental health and realized how many lives around me have also been touched by suicide. I felt her presence throughout my training and the race and am honored to have been able to carry on her legacy."

"Our mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide is made possible by people who get involved and give tirelessly to help others. This describes the amazing individuals leading the way in Chicago," said Bob Gebbia, chief executive officer of AFSP. "I want to thank everyone who participated in the Race for Hope Chicago Marathon Team for their incredible dedication, and for raising vital funds for suicide prevention research, education, legislative advocacy, as well as support for those who struggle and those who have lost someone to suicide."

Nationally, nine in ten individuals who die by suicide were living with a diagnosable mental health condition at the time of their death, with these conditions often being undiagnosed or untreated. As a leading cause of death, suicide is a public health problem but can be prevented through education and advocacy. Research shows that there is no single cause for suicide, and suicide risk increases when several health factors and life stressors converge to create an experience of hopelessness and despair. People can learn the warning signs at afsp.org/signs.

AFSP and its Illinois Chapter are dedicated to improved research, education, and advocacy. Through its statewide network of volunteers, AFSP Illinois offers prevention education programs that emphasize the importance of research-proven self-care techniques as well as the value of engaging professional support.

About the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention:

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a loss. AFSP creates a culture that's smart about mental health through public education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, with its Policy and Advocacy Office in Washington, D.C., AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico, with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and TikTok. 

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and The Jed Foundation (JED) intend to merge as equals to form AFSP/JED, the nation's largest nonprofit dedicated to preventing suicide across the lifespan, and bringing hope to those affected by suicide loss or risk. The AFSP/JED mission would reflect a commitment to bring together AFSP's research, advocacy, chapter network, and loss-support expertise with JED's comprehensive approach to suicide prevention and evidence-informed youth mental health programs, creating greater scale, reach, and impact at a time of urgent national need. Read more about our recent announcement.

If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide, please call or text the U.S. National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Statistics on Suicide: https://afsp.org/suicide-statistics

Suicide Prevention Resources: www.afsp.org/resources

Suicide Warning Signs: www.afsp.org/signs

Media: Reporting on Suicide Prevention: www.afsp.org/reporting-on-suicide-prevention

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SOURCE American Foundation for Suicide Prevention