In September 2018, after struggling for years with depression and anxiety, I reached a point where I no longer believed life was worth continuing. That night, a friend unknowingly intervened and stopped me from making a permanent decision. Their presence changed the course of my life.
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Each year on September 19, I gather with friends to celebrate life and the resilience that keeps us moving forward. In September 2026, I have chosen to honor that tradition in a meaningful way by traveling to Berlin, Germany, where I will run 26.2 miles to raise awareness for mental health.
Over the past year, I turned to running while rehabbing a knee injury. I began running without headphones and discovered that the quiet allowed me to be present. It gave me space to focus on my thoughts, my surroundings, and the simple act of moving forward. Running became my daily refuge and a way to process stress and reconnect with myself.
I share this journey because no one should feel alone in their darkest moments. Mental health struggles affect millions, and too often they are faced in silence. By supporting Team Still I Run, you help provide community, resources, and hope to individuals who are choosing to keep going, one step at a time.
Please consider making a donation, sharing this story, or simply starting a conversation about mental health. Every mile I run is for someone who feels stuck, unheard, or overwhelmed. Together, we can remind people that their lives matter and that help, connection, and hope are always within reach.
