5th Annual Survivor Day 5K

The 5th Annual Survivor Day 5K will take place on November 23, 2024 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 5th 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 honor Anthony “Butchie” Kurnel III. Butchie was born and raised in Bayville, NJ, and served as a Lieutenant for 23 years at Berkeley Township Police department. Butchie was a husband, father of 3, and a proud grandfather to Anthony. He was the cornerstone to his family and held such a bright presence in the community. He was 55 years old when he lost his life to the silent killer of mental health and suicide. His legacy will live on as we remember the countless lives he has touched, all the laughs we’ve had and all of the people he’s lent his hand out to help. We remember Butchie, not only for the challenges he faced, but for the joy he brought to everyone, his dedication to his family, and the care that he brought to every aspect of life.

The anniversary of Anthony's and Christian's 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.