Walking Together to Break the Silence Around Suicide

Hundreds Expected to Walk in Memory, Hope, and Support This Saturday

Every year, hundreds of people gather in downtown Sioux Falls for a walk that means much more than exercise.

The 15th Annual Step Forward to Prevent Suicide event returns to Fawick Park on Saturday, June 6, bringing together families, friends, survivors, and supporters for a morning focused on remembrance, healing, and hope.

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Organizers expect more than 600 people to attend this year's event, which serves as both a memorial for lives lost to suicide and a fundraiser supporting local prevention efforts through the Helpline Center.

Honoring Lives and Sharing Stories

The event begins at 9:00 a.m. with a special remembrance ceremony honoring loved ones whose lives ended too soon. Participants will then take part in a 1.5-mile walk along the bike trail from Fawick Park to Cliff Avenue and back.

One of the most powerful moments of the morning will come from keynote speakers Brian and Dodi Young. The couple will share their family's story following the loss of their 19-year-old son, Isaiah, to suicide.

"Every life lost to suicide is one too many," organizers say, emphasizing the importance of creating spaces where conversations about mental health can happen openly and without stigma.

Supporting Local Suicide Prevention Efforts

The walk also serves as one of the Helpline Center's largest annual fundraisers. Money raised stays local and supports suicide prevention programs, survivor support groups, community mental health training, educational resources, and other services designed to help individuals and families affected by suicide.

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Registration remains open online, but will also be available at the event. Individuals, families, and teams are all encouraged to participate.

For many people who participate, Step Forward to Prevent Suicide isn't just a walk; it's a chance to remember, to connect, and to remind others that they are never alone.

To register online or learn more about the event, just visit the Helpline Center or call 211.