7th Annual Survivor Day 5K

The 7th Annual Survivor Day 5K will take place on November 21, 2026 in person at 5 Wanamaker Municipal Complex, Island Heights, NJ 08732. Register by November 1st to ensure you get to pick your T-shirt size!  After November 1st, we cannot guarantee your size. 

Survivor Day was designated by the U.S. Congress as a day when those affected by suicide can join together for healing and support. It was designated the Saturday before Thanksgiving, as the holidays are often a difficult time for suicide loss survivors. 

For the 7th year in a row we are asking all of our family and friends to come together in unity to run or walk a 5K in memory of Christian Schenk and in support of all those mourning his loss the week before his birthday. 

This year, we will also be honoring James “Jimmy” Fera. Jimmy was a man who wore many hats in his lifetime. He was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. He was a valued Boiler Maker at Local 154, served in the Army Reserves, lived in San Diego for a little while, and then finally settled in Toms River, New Jersey with his beautiful wife for almost 25 years. Jimmy became “Mr. Mom”, his favorite title, and was a stay-at-home / part-time working dad to his two kids. Jimmy worked hard, but loved harder. He was the ultimate husband, brother, dad, uncle, cousin and friend to those in his life. He loved lifting weights, telling dad jokes, celebrating holidays with family, and he gave the best hugs. Jimmy was a huge teddy bear. He was fierce and he was strong with an unforgettable spirit. In 2018, at age 68, after being diagnosed with tinnitus post surgery, he ultimately lost his life to mental illness and suicide. His infectious smile, laughter, strength, and love live on in the hearts and memories of everyone who knew him.

The anniversary of these deaths are stark reminders of the lasting effects that loss and grief have on surviving families as well as the importance of bringing communities together to support one another.