My Why Miles: Walk/Run Challenge
A September walking and fundraising challenge for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
About the Challenge
Walk With Purpose. Walk for Others.
Throughout September, participants walk 1.1 miles, 3 times each week, in honor of Lily’s birthday: March 11 (3/11).
Each number holds meaning:
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1.1 miles → the “11” in her birthday
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3 walks/week → the “3” in the month she was born
By the end of the month, participants complete 13.2 miles of kindness—representing endurance, community, healing, and hope.
Walk your miles:
🐾 With your dog
🚶♀️ With a friend
🌤️ With family
✨ Or quietly, in reflection
Every step becomes an act of kindness.
Every mile raises awareness.
Every donation provides life-changing counseling for someone in need.
Why Your Donation Matters
Your Miles Bring Awareness. Your Donation Brings Healing. This challenge is a fundraiser — because mental health care should never be out of reach. Right now, in our community, individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, grief, and suicidal thoughts are unable to access help because they cannot afford counseling. Your donation changes that.
When you give, you provide:
A counseling session for someone in crisis
A safe place for a teen to say “I’m not okay”
Support for parents navigating anxiety or loss
Hope for someone who feels alone
Healing for someone who has been waiting for help
Your generosity becomes someone else’s turning point.
This is why we ask EVERY participant to donate when registering — even $3.11 makes a difference.
How to Participate
1
Register & Make a Gift
Sign up for the challenge and make a donation to support mental health access at The Oaks. Your registration gift is the most direct way to help someone receive counseling.
2
Walk Your 1.1 Miles (3x Weekly)
Choose your location: your neighborhood, a trail, a school track, a quiet place you love.
3
Share Your Journey
Post photos using #MyWhyMiles to raise awareness and inspire others to give.
4
Invite Others to Support Your Miles
Ask friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, or teammates to donate in honor of your walks. People give because you're walking with purpose — your miles inspire.
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
This challenge takes place in September for a reason:
To shine a light on mental health.
To break the silence.
To bring hope.
To honor lives lost.
To support those still fighting.
By participating, you send a powerful message:
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You are not alone.
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Help is available.
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Hope is real.
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Healing is possible.
And you ensure that financial barriers never stand in the way of someone receiving mental health support.
Why September?
Community Impact
Throughout September, The Oaks will:
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Spotlight participants
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Highlight acts of kindness
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Share mental health resources
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Celebrate your walks, your miles, and your impact
Fun recognition categories include:
Most Creative Walk Photo
Best Dog Walking Buddy
Most Inspiring Walk Location
Kindness Champion
— recognizing the participant who spreads kindness throughout the challenge
Your walk could inspire someone.
Your story could help someone.
Your donation WILL support someone.