The Illinois Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) has released the schedule for its 2026 Out of the Darkness Community Walks, a statewide initiative dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health awareness. The annual campaign, recognized as the largest of its kind in Illinois, will be held in 14 communities across the state between September and October 2026.

AFSP Illinois is encouraging individuals, businesses, community organizations, and advocates to participate in this year's campaign with the goal of raising more than $1 million to support suicide prevention programs and mental health initiatives. Suicide remains a significant public health concern in Illinois, ranking as the third leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 34 and the fourth leading cause of death for adults aged 35 to 54.

Part of a national network of more than 400 Out of the Darkness Walks, these community events unite survivors, families, friends, and supporters to raise awareness, generate critical funding, and reinforce the message that suicide is preventable and that individuals facing mental health challenges are not alone.

"Many participants experience the AFSP support community for the first time through these walks," said Philip Martinez, Board Chair of the AFSP Illinois Chapter. "Coming together allows us to remember those we've lost, encourage those who are struggling, and provide essential funding for programs that save lives in schools, workplaces, and communities throughout Illinois."

Ways to Participate
Participation in any Out of the Darkness Community Walk is free of charge. Supporters can contribute in several ways:

Registration for Illinois events is available through the AFSP Illinois Community Walks webpage, while supporters outside the state can locate their nearest walk using the interactive map on the national AFSP website.

"Every registration, team, and donation helps reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and strengthens our mission of suicide prevention," said Angela Cummings, Executive Director of AFSP Illinois. "Each walk reminds us that hope grows when communities come together and support one another."

2026 Illinois Out of the Darkness Community Walk Schedule
Residents across Illinois will have opportunities to participate in the following events:

Advancing Suicide Prevention
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that suicide is the second leading cause of death among Americans aged 10 to 34, impacting approximately one in five U.S. families. According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), an estimated 12.8 million adults aged 18 and older experienced suicidal thoughts, while approximately 1.5 million adults (0.6%) reported attempting suicide during the previous year. Despite these alarming figures, public awareness continues to grow, with 91% of U.S. adults believing that suicide can be prevented.

Through the 2026 Out of the Darkness Community Walks, AFSP Illinois hopes to expand awareness, strengthen local support networks, and generate the resources needed to advance research, education, advocacy, and programs that help save lives across the state.

Now in its eighth year, the 2025 MK5K united hundreds of participants from across Canada in a remarkable display of compassion and community spirit, all in support of the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation (MKACF). This year’s event, held both virtually and in person, exemplified the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to two vital causes — helping people with cancer through the Look Good Feel Better program and funding women’s shelters and outreach services for those affected by domestic violence.

The main in-person walk took place on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the beautiful Meadowvale Conservation Area in Mississauga, Ontario. There, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants, families, friends, and Walk Champions gathered to walk side by side, raising much-needed funds and awareness. Meanwhile, supporters across the country participated virtually from their own neighborhoods, turning MK5K 2025 into a truly coast-to-coast movement.

“This year’s MK5K embodied our shared values and our deep dedication to making a lasting difference,” said Michelle Haurilak, Chair of the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation Committee and Marketing Director at Mary Kay Cosmetics Ltd., Canada. “From the vibrant energy at Meadowvale to the incredible turnout nationwide, it was inspiring to witness how united we are in purpose. The generosity shown this year reinforces how deeply our mission resonates — helping people with cancer regain confidence and providing safety and hope for women escaping domestic violence. I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished together through the Foundation and so grateful to everyone who walked, donated, or cheered us on. Together, we’re changing lives across Canada.”
 
MK5K 2025 Highlights

“We’re honored to work alongside the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation, whose dedication to empowering women perfectly aligns with our mission,” said Susan Larkin of Look Good Feel Better. “Together, we’re helping people with cancer regain control, confidence, and self-esteem during incredibly difficult times. Our partnership allows us to reach more Canadians with the compassion and care they deserve.”
 
A Strong Partnership: MKACF & Look Good Feel Better
The MKACF proudly partners with Look Good Feel Better (LGFB), a national charity that supports individuals coping with the visible effects of cancer treatment. Through workshops and guidance on skincare, makeup, wigs, and breast care, LGFB helps participants rebuild self-confidence and emotional well-being. The Foundation actively promotes LGFB’s work through fundraising and awareness initiatives, amplifying its impact across the country.
 
About the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation (MKACF)
The MKACF is dedicated to improving the lives of women in Canada through two main pillars:

Since its founding, the Foundation has raised over $3.63 million, with 99% of donations going directly to programs that uplift and protect women.

Shelter Grant Program: Empowering Women and Children

 
A Heartfelt Thank You
The Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of MK5K 2025 — from Independent Beauty Consultants and Walk Champions to donors, volunteers, and sponsors. Your compassion, generosity, and commitment continue to transform lives and bring light and hope to women facing life’s toughest challenges.

Click here to know about the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation.