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.
Annual Rail Jam @ Four Lakes
Annual snowboarding event at Four Lakes in Lisle for suicide awareness and to fundraise for Max’s Mission.
QPR Training
Question, persuade, refer training offered at Metea Valley High School.
Mental Health Symposium
Max's Mission participated in March 2025 at Metea Valley High School.
Celebration of Max's 16th Birthday
In July 2022, we celebrated Max's 16th Birthday at Frontier Skate Park.










Skate Talk 2024
In October 2024, Max’s Mission hosted “Skate Talk” at Frontier Park in Naperville. Pro skateboarders John Gardner, Wes Kremer and Brandon Turner skated with attendees, judged a skate contest, and facilitated a conversation about mental health, physical well-being, and suicide in a safe space for teens and young adults.







Annual Rail Jam @ Four Lakes
Hosted at Four Lakes Snowsports in Lisle, this annual event honors the lives of Max Wijangco and another young man from the Four Lakes community who both lost their lives to suicide.
As avid snowboarders and friends from Four Lakes, Max and Sean’s legacy lives on through this event. The Rail Jam draws people of all ages from throughout the Chicago community and beyond for a day or competition, comraderie, and remembrance.




QPR Training
In September 2023, Max’s Mission hosted QPR training at Metea Valley High School. The 90-minute training equips participants to help save lives during a mental health crisis by teaching them practical skills, much like CPR for physical health emergencies.




Mental Health Symposium
In March 2025, Max’s Mission hosted a screening of “Talking OutLOUD; Teens and Suicide Loss” at the Mental Health Symposium at Metea Valley High School. Following the film, a Q&A session encourage open dialogue about suicide and healing. Max’s Mission also hosted an informational table, engaging attendees in meaningful conversations about mental health and suicide awareness.

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Celebration of Max's 16th Birthday
In July of 2022 Max’s 16th birthday was celebrated at Frontier Skate Park along with his friends, family and the skate community. There was a talk about mental health and suicide awareness along with a skate contest and prizes. Max’s life and legacy were acknowledged, celebrated and talked about throughout this event that was free and open to everyone in the community.
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.
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
Naperville Park Board to vote soon on Max’s Mission tribute project
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.
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.
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.