VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Instead of sleeping in this Saturday morning, community members took on a 1,000-step challenge.

What started as a climbing training has turned into an annual mental health awareness event.

Sara Wilkinson says her husband and the love of her life, Chad Wilkinson, used to spend hours climbing on a box to train to reach new heights.

Sara says Chad loved climbing the mountain, but in 2018, the former Navy SEAL took his own life amid his battle with post-deployment PTSD.

Sara has since set up the Step up foundation in his memory, and every year members of the community train like her navy seal husband, stepping on a box 1,000 times.

Sara says the foundation came about because of this training and hopes it inspires soldiers to seek help if they need it.

“It’s just that we’re working hard to raise awareness of not only the number of suicides, but the narrative of suicide, it’s still a stigma, it’s still shunned or looked down upon, and we’re just trying to change the way people they’re talking about it, so hopefully they’ll more openly seek care when they need it,” Wilkinson said.

Wilkinson says the foundation actively donates to organizations that support military mental health

This morning a check was given to an organization known as “Shields and Stripes” that helps veterans and military.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 and you will be connected to a professional in your area. Calls are accepted 24/7, are free and callers can remain anonymous if they wish.