One in five Americans suffers from mental illness.  Over 33,000 people complete suicide every year, and 90% of those have a diagnosed or undiagnosed mental illness at the time of their death.  Twenty percent of us will lose a close friend or family member to suicide during our lifetime.  Imagine the impact that suicide and mental illness has on families living in your community!

Inspired by the Hike for Hope - a fundraiser held on Prospect Mtn in Lake George - a group of Queensbury High School students have partnered with the the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), Capital Region Chapter to host this inaugural 5k Walk/Run to continue to bring awareness to suicide and mental illness, and to provide the necessary funding to support AFSP programs locally, such as:

•         supports research projects
•         develops evidence-based educational resources for schools and other community professionals
•         provides outreach to those affected by suicide
•         promotes policies and legislation that impact suicide and suicide prevention
•         educates the public about mood disorders and suicide prevention

Our goal is to raise $3000 through registration fees and business sponsorships.  All donations are greatly appreciated.  Financial sponsorships will help minimize the costs associated with the event, donated items will be used for prizes, and donations of food and drink are also needed.  For donations received by July 1st, your company name will be included on t-shirts.  The names of all sponsors will be added to our website.  Your participation will show our volunteers, survivors and the general public that your business is community-minded, and sensitive to the issues of suicide and mental illness. 

Thank you for considering to support the “Miles With a Message”.  If you have any questions or would like to make a donation, please contact Amy Molloy, AFSP – Capital Region, NY Area Director, at 518-899-0021 or amolloy@afsp.org.