Community to gather for suicide prevention

TIFFIN — On Oct. 4, the community will come together for Max's Miles, an annual suicide prevention and awareness walk hosted by Solitude Ministries, a nonprofit founded by Kathy, Jim and Gabie Oliver in memory of their son and brother, Max Oliver, who died by suicide in 2016. The event is scheduled for 9 a.m. at Hedges-Boyer Park, 480 Coe St., Tiffin, with registration beginning at 9 a.m. The walk, including a dog lap, kids' lap and community laps, begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by open-mic sharing and reflections at 10:30 a.m. and raffle drawings at 11:15 a.m. Music, food vendors, a bounce house, and mental health providers offering information will also be part of the day. Now in its eighth year, Max's Miles has grown into a deeply meaningful event for many in the area that blends remembrance, education and community connection. The walk is not a competitive 5K, but a gentle, inclusive event featuring a dog walk, kid-friendly activities including bouncy houses, and booths from local service providers offering mental health resources. "Our goal, like we've always said, is that if we can help one or two people each year, then we've done what we can do," said Jim. That philosophy has guided Solitude Ministries since its founding in 2017. The organization provides suicide prevention education and outreach, working with schools, churches and other partners to ensure resources are available to those in need. This year, Solitude Ministries awarded a scholarship to Ryan Adelsperger, a local high school senior, and is planning a second scholarship for a Heidelberg University counseling student. The Olivers also partner with Tiffin City Schools to distribute "Don't Give Up" wristbands and participate in Welcome Weekend events for students at Tiffin University and Heidelberg University. "We just want people to know there is help out there. There are services, there is support, and there are people who care," Kathy said. The event reflects a growing openness in the community to talk about mental health. Kathy and Jim say they've seen a shift in how young people engage with these conversations, especially during outreach events. "It's nice to see the conversation changing," Jim shared. "We had lines of college kids at our booth. They were open, they were engaged. That's really encouraging." Max's Miles partners with other suicide prevention organizations in outreach and education. Volunteers, many of whom return year after year, help make the event possible. "We always see a lot of the same faces, but it's nice to see something new," Jim said. "People reach out and ask, 'What can I do?' That means a lot." Despite the heaviness of the reason behind the event, the Olivers aim to keep Max's Miles both informative and welcoming. Past events have included raffles, bake sales and live broadcasts from local radio stations. The goal is to create a space where people can connect, learn and heal. Looking ahead, Solitude Ministries is planning a Walk of Remembrance and Gratitude at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at Proving Ground Farm, 5670 E TR 138, Tiffin, to mark National Suicide Survivor Day. The event will feature a reflective walk around a pond lined with votive candles, where participants can write the name of a loved one or something they are grateful for on a votive candle bag, offering a peaceful space for reflection and healing. Max Oliver's legacy lives on in every step taken at Max's Miles. A talented musician, a thoughtful soul and a generous friend, Max touched many lives. "Max was more than the disease he suffered from," Kathy said. "He was kind, smart, funny and deeply caring. He didn't realize his importance in this world." Through Solitude Ministries and Max's Miles, the Oliver family continues to shine a light in the darkness, reminding others that help is available, you are not alone and you matter.