AFSP Illinois Chapter

Ellen's father's life came to an abrupt end on January 17, 1991, giving Father's Day a new significance.

Ellen was lucky to have 31 Father's Days to spend with her father but, years after his loss, she felt bitter toward the holiday. 26 years later, the feeling is more a gentle sadness that he is not here with us.

"While the story of my dad's su***de was dramatic and tragic, it is not the most important story of his lifetime."

Ellen's father flew, photographed, and wrote about planes. One day, during his time flying seaplanes, he was able to help save the day by fighting off a hijacker.

Read Ellen's story: afsp.org/story/a-dad-who-longed-to-soar

to the 2025 Chicago Pride Fest, where it was hotter than a deep-dish pizza fresh out of the oven. 🍕

These friendly volunteers pictured here didn't let the summer heat stop them from showing up and showing love for our LGBTQIA+ community in Chicago. 🌈

AFSP will be chilling out at the 2026 Chicago Pride Fest this weekend under the big tent. Stop by and say hi — we've got you covered with some cool swag and plenty of shade! 🎪

No matter what you are going through, you never have to face it alone. 💙🏳️‍🌈

You are valued and needed exactly the way you are. If you or an LGBTQ+ loved one are navigating through a hard time, please remember that you do not have to carry it all alone. Life-saving support is always within reach.

We have compiled these vital su***de prevention resources to ensure you always know where to turn for care.

📲 Save this graphic for later, share it to your stories, and visit afsp.org/lgbtq

Together, we're building a world free from su***de.

Our Construction Hike for Hope events this past weekend in Grafton and Downers Grove raised nearly $37,000 to support su***de prevention.

These critical funds help power AFSP's lifesaving research, education, advocacy, and support programs for people affected by su***de.

AFSP Illinois is incredibly grateful to our sponsors for being with us every step of the way:

— Gold: ArchKey Solutions
— Silver: Leopardo Construction, Rosecrance, Union Carpenters & Contractors/Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council, Raineri Construction, Helmkamp Construction Co., Graycor
— Bronze: Stern Brothers, McHugh Concrete, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa Foundation for Fair Contracting, RCS Construction, Midwest Wall and Ceiling Contractors

We're also proud to recognize our top fundraising teams and top individual fundraisers whose generosity and dedication helped make these events such a success.

Donations will be accepted through June 30, 2026, at afsp.org/ILconstruction. 👷‍♂️👷‍♀️

Your presence makes the world a brighter and more complete place. 🌎✨

To our LGBTQ+ community, you are so valued, cherished, and needed exactly as you are! We need you here, and we want you to stay with us. 💙🌈

🎨 Artwork by Wednesday Holmes

At age 14, Sue lost her father to su***de.

Looking back, she now realizes there were warning signs — but in 1971 stigma was very prevalent.

After losing her father, it was important to Sue that she "carry on." But that proved to be difficult as she struggled with the varying emotions associated with her grief, specifically anger.

Later, Sue was diagnosed with dysthymia, was able to find the care she needed, and was able to better understand the feelings behind her anger.

"Ask for help. Don't try to do it alone. There were not a lot of resources out there when I had my loss. Today there are, and we know so much more about the causes of su***de and how depression affects the brain and body," shares Sue.

Read the blog: afsp.org/story/48-years-after-su***de-loss-remembering-my-father

AFSP Illinois is proud to welcome Happiness Project as the presenting sponsor for the 2026 Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk on Saturday, Oct. 3, at Montrose Harbor.

As a mission-driven clothing brand dedicated to breaking mental health stigma and supporting su***de prevention, Happiness Project is the ideal partner for this year's Walk.

"We want to make it 'cool' to talk about your feelings, especially for the next generation. I love to say, when you break a bone, you let everyone know, tell people to sign your cast, etc.," said Mike Jones, co-founder/CMO of Happiness Project. "The same should be done with your mental health. Mental health, physical health — it's all your health, and you are not alone, no matter what you are going through."

Take the next step with us. To learn about additional sponsorship opportunities, visit afsp.org/Chicago. 🚶‍♂️

We've all heard the saying: "Men don't cry."

In this Elevating Voices roundtable, we hear from three men of different backgrounds and generations who prove that being vulnerable and showing emotion is not only acceptable, but healthy.

🎧 Listen: lnk.to/afsp_elevating-voices_mens-mental-health