Events That Heal and Unite

Max’s Mission hosts a variety of events to bring people together, share resources, and honor those lost to suicide.

Skate Talk 2024

In October 2024, Max’s Mission hosted “Skate Talk” at Frontier Skate Park in Naperville.

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Annual Rail Jam @ Four Lakes

Annual snowboarding event at Four Lakes in Lisle for suicide awareness and to fundraise for Max’s Mission.

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QPR Training

Question, persuade, refer training offered at Metea Valley High School.

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Mental Health Symposium

Max's Mission participated in March 2025 at Metea Valley High School.

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2025 Events & Projects

Centennial Park Max's Mission Mural

Two concrete walls were poured in July 2025 at the Centennial Beach Skatepark. The walls measure 20’x5’ and 24’x4’ and will be painted on all four sides in August by Naperville artist Peter Thaddeus. These murals are donated by Max’s Mission to add beauty to the skate park, serve as a message of hope, and provide resources for those struggling with their mental health or a loss by suicide. This project was made possible through a partnership with the Naperville Park District, the JCS Arts, Health and Education Fund of the DuPage Foundation, the City of Naperville SECA Grant Fund, and M/M Peters Construction, Inc.

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Solstice Century - 100 Miles. 100 Riders. $100,000 to charities

Sponsored by the Zac Larson / IntentGen Financial Partners, this is an amazing fundraiser to complete a Century (100 mile) ride and raise money for various local charities, including Max's Mission.  Riders can complete two different 10 miles loops and support other riders as they complete their century ride, while supporting Mental Health Services, Housing Services, or International Youth Outreach.  Volunteer, Ride, or Donate!

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Max’s Mission Mural Project.

Concrete murals will poured at the Centennial Beach Skate Park starting on July 14th and will be completed by the end of the week. Starting in approximately mid-August artist Peter Thaddeus will begin painting the murals with completion date estimated at early to mid September. These murals are donated by Max’s Mission to add beauty to the park, and serve as a message of hope, healing and connection to those struggling with their mental health and a loss by suicide. This project was made possible through a partnership with the Naperville Park District, the JCS Arts, Health and Education Fund of the DuPage Foundation, the City of Naperville SECA Grant Fund, and M/M Peters Construction, Inc..

Max's Mission in the Media

Max's Mission Raises Awareness for Mental Health

NCTV17 video about event at Frontier Skate Park in July 2022 to raise awareness about suicide and to celebrate what would have been Max's 16th birthday. 

Naperville Skate Talk w/ Nothing But Today

Video by pro-skateboarder John Gardner from the "Skate Talk" event in October 2024 hosted by Max's Mission where pro-skateboarders were brought to Frontier Skate Park to skate with the locals and talk about mental health and suicide. 

NCTV 17 Spotlight on Max's Mission

Jane Wernette from NCTV17 interviews Jill Wijangco and Julie Nguyen from Max's Mission to talk about the nonprofit, what they do in the community, and how to best support those we care about who are grieving. 

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Be Enspired Podcast - Turning Pain into Purpose w/ Jill Wijangco

Jill shares how her son Max’s story inspired her to create meaningful programs like "Baskets of Hope," a monthly support group, and the touching "Say Their Name" project—all designed to uplift and support those grieving a suicide loss.

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Transworld Skateboarding

Article in Transworld Skateboarding about  'Nothing But Today' and 'Max's Mission' and how they use skateboarding to talk about suicide and help to save lives. 

Unsilence Grief podcast - Marie Alessi interview with Jill Wijangco

Marie Alessi interviews Jill Wijangco for her podcast "Unsilence Grief" and they dive into many topics around suicide, grief, and finding light after loss. 

NCTV 17 Skate Talk

NCTV17 video about event in October 2024 at Frontier Skate Park hosted by Max’s Mission with pro skateboarders John Gardner, Wes Kremer and Brandon Turner.