Support Alex’s 2,560-Mile Walk for Mental Health

It was 7:30 when I saw AJ's mom had texted me. It said “AJ’s gone” next message “he committed suicide.” The friend who taught me that no matter how dark the clouds, there's always light on the other side—had lost his way in the darkness. This August, I will be walking 2,560 miles from Austin, TX to Oregon City, OR to carry his light forward and fight suicide—one step, one story, one life at a time. I NEED YOUR SUPPORT to help me complete this walk! $50 = 1 Day of meals for crew and helps keep us hydrated $75 = 1 Day of fuel → Keeps the mission alive for 35 miles $100 = 1 Outreach Event → Connects an entire community to help $200 = 1 week of safety → Support van operation ensuring the journey continues Your support will create exponential impact. Your $50 doesn't just buy one day of meals—it fuels the energy that carries AJ's story 35 miles further, potentially reaching 500 people on social media, inspiring 5 people to seek help, and ultimately saving 1 life. Route: Austin, TX → Oregon City, OR
 (25+ cities) Distance: 2,560 miles
 Pace: 25-35 miles per day
 Timeline: 75-100 days starting in August 2025 
Mission: Community events, resource sharing, and hope-building in cities across America THE FRIEND WHO CHANGED EVERYTHING AJ wasn't just my best friend—he was the person who made everyone feel seen. He had this incredible ability to check in on others and remind you that tomorrow could be better than today. When I was struggling, AJ would say, "No matter how dark the clouds, there's light on the other side." He lived those words every day—until depression made him forget them. When AJ died by suicide in Oregon City, I didn't just lose my best friend. I lost my faith that good people with bright lights could always find their way through darkness. Those texts from his mom changed everything. In the days that followed, I learned that behind every suicide statistic is a family destroyed, friends left with unanswerable questions, and a community trying to make sense of the senseless. But I also learned something else: AJ's story wasn't unique. Every year, over 49,300 Americans die by suicide—enough people to fill a major league baseball stadium. Behind each number is someone like AJ—someone loved, someone who mattered, someone whose story could have continued with the right support at the right moment. Picture this: In four months, I'll be standing in Oregon City where AJ took his final breath. But instead of ending a story, I'll be starting a thousand new ones—because every mile between here and there will have sparked conversations that save lives, connected people to resources, and reminded someone struggling that their next step matters. THE MOVEMENT WE'RE BUILDING TOGETHER The Next Step Movement isn't just about supporting a run—it's about joining a revolution against silence, stigma, and suicide. Your name doesn't just go on a donor list; it goes on a movement that's changing how America talks about mental health. Behind the statistic "49,300 annual suicide deaths" are 49,300 empty chairs at dinner tables, 49,300 phone numbers that will never be answered again, 49,300 dreams that ended too soon. But in front of that statistic are millions of people still fighting—and your support helps ensure their stories continue. • Suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 10-34 • Men die by suicide nearly 4 times more than women • For every suicide death, there are 25 attempts • Rates have surged 30% in the last two decades MY VISION FOR THIS MOVEMENT Before: AJ's laugh could fill a room, but depression filled his mind with silence. During: Every step of these 2,560 miles carries his memory forward and creates new hope. After: When I reach Oregon City, it won't be an ending—it will be the beginning of countless conversations that save lives. This is your invitation to join something bigger than a run—a movement that turns pain into purpose, silence into conversation, and despair into hope. HOW YOU CAN HELP Donate whatever feels meaningful—every dollar genuinely matters. Share this page and AJ’s story on your social feeds or by text. Authentic stories travel far. Walk a Mile—join us virtually or in person for any segment of the route. Connect Us to community groups, schools, or churches along the way that could host a Hope Huddle. In-Kind Donation for any gear, goods, or services to help with this mission please contact me directly (Instagram: @walking_with_ab) WHERE EVERY DOLLAR GOES Covering the mission essentials: • Support van, fuel, and maintenance • Crew support for safety and logistics • Lodging and recovery • Nutrition and medical supplies • Community outreach events and materials • Storytelling and documentation After covering these essentials, every remaining dollar goes directly to: • American Foundation for Suicide Prevention • Crisis Text Line • Local mental health organizations along the route Let's take the next step together—because every life, including AJ's, is worth fighting for. Together, we can show that no one has to face their darkest moments alone. Thank you for reading! With hope and determination,
 Alex Bradley Founder, The Next Step Movement Contact me: [phone redacted]