What a week we had last week! At the Jae Foundation, we believe in movement — not just physical, but emotional, communal, and purposeful. This past week, our community came together for BTHO Week, a four-day event dedicated to raising awareness for mental health and suicide prevention. And together, we made a powerful statement: “You are loved, valued, needed, and wanted here.”

What is a BTHO?

Traditionally known as “suicides” or “ladder drills,” these intense running exercises have long been used by coaches to condition athletes. But we’ve redefined them. At the Jae Foundation, they’re now called BTHOs — Beat the Hell OUTTA suicides — a symbolic and physical act of defiance against the tragedy of suicide.

50,000 BTHOs for 50,000 Lives

Each year, approximately 50,000 lives are lost to suicide. Our goal was to honor every one of them by completing 50,000 BTHOs as a community. And we did just that — with 410 participants showing up at Jae’s Place to walk, run, and roll toward that goal.

One remarkable individual ran 1,215 BTHOs in memory of a loved one, and another ran 1 BTHO for every year each school in the Twin Falls School District has been in existence, totaling 810 BTHOs. A local company rallied their team across multiple locations to contribute an astounding 15,001 BTHOs. From athletes to firemen in full gear, from church groups to cheer squads, the support was overwhelming.

Athletes, Families, and Firefighters — All In

We were joined by:

– A cheerleading squad

– A swim team

– A volleyball team

– The CSI men’s basketball team

– Church groups and gym communities

– Musicians and Jae Foundation team members

– Teachers, students, moms, and church leaders

– ‎AND SO MANY MORE!

Even our youngest participants made a huge impact. The top 10 kids in the 12-and-under group completed 2,283 BTHOs — a testament to the power of youth in this movement.

We estimate that 11 BTHOs equals 1 mile, meaning our community collectively ran approximately 4,500 miles over four days. That’s 4,500 miles of remembrance, connection, and hope.

More Than Just Movement

BTHO Week wasn’t just about physical effort. It was about sharing Jae’s story, checking in with one another, and creating Boot-Check moments as we walked or ran in memory of those we’ve lost — and in hope of keeping more people here with us.

With a live band, a mobile DJ, and food trucks keeping us energized, the atmosphere was electric. But the heart of the event was quiet moments of connection, reflection, and support.

A Message to the World

Through every step, sprint, and BTHO, we sent a message loud and clear:

“You are loved. You are valued. You are needed. You are wanted here.”

It’s Boot-Check Time!