Mental health advocacy, understanding and awareness have become my lifes personal mission.

In the summer of 2019 I was sexually assaulted, leading me to a newfound place of deep depression and anxiety. I experienced therapy, medications and the stigmas associated with “not being okay” in our society.

Over the years I found running to be a place I could go for mental calmness and sanctuary. Where I could quiet bad thoughts and come back to myself. Where I could tangibly prove to myself I can continue to move forward and choose to fight for a healthier version of myself.

The past few years my family has been impacted by the effects of mental illness, my younger brother Tim fighting a hard battle. We lost Timothy in January 2024 to Suicide. It is a loss and a pain I will work to keep others from experiencing; I believe we can lower the number of suicides by making mental health apart of everyday health. Ending the stigmas, encouraging both men and woman to seek help when they need it, and making the resources more readily known and available.

I run because one foot in front of the other, over and over again empowers me to know I can keep going. Moving my body forward shows me I can move through hard things, that they do not win, I can conquer them.

I run so that I can encourage just one person struggling that they are not alone in their struggles, there is strength in being unsilent, and that we can get to a better day together.
I run because suicide is the third leading cause of death in 15-30 year olds.
I run in Tim’s memory.
I run for someone strugglings tomorrow.

When I was 18, I lost my high school girlfriend to suicide due to her struggles with mental health. This tragic experience left a lasting impact on me, making mental health a cause that is very close to my heart.

Running the Chicago Marathon with the “No Stigmas” organization & participating in their Ally training program was transformative for me. It has not only encouraged me to be more open about my own mental health struggles but also taught me how to communicate more effectively with others about mental health. This journey has been about breaking down barriers and fostering understanding—both within myself and in my interactions with others.

Through this pursuit, I’ve discovered a deep love for running. It has become an essential outlet for dealing with my internal battles, helping me process emotions and find clarity. Furthermore, it has connected me with other like-minded individuals and supportive communities, reinforcing the importance of running with a purpose.

By running, I’m not just challenging myself physically; I’m also continuing my personal journey of mental health advocacy. I run for everyone who struggles in silence, for those we’ve lost, and for the belief that we can all be stronger together.

In 2014, I found myself in the darkest chapter of my life, consumed by a crippling depression and anxiety that left me feeling lost. A few months later, I was admitted to the hospital for suicidal ideation—words I never thought would escape my lips. Yet, in that hospital, surrounded by others in their own silent battles, I realized I wasn’t as alone as I had always felt.

Now, a decade later, I can honestly say I wouldn’t be here without the incredible people and resources that helped me through those difficult days. I’ve sat across from psychiatrists, opened up to therapists, tried medications—the list of support is long. But the deepest healing has come from two things: sharing my story and moving my body.

Running has become my sanctuary, a place where I can take control of my thoughts, quiet my mind, and remind myself that I can conquer the difficult moments, just by taking it one step at a time. It’s the rhythm of “one foot in front of the other” that has saved me time and time again.

I run for those who feel too afraid or too isolated to speak about their struggles. I run to remind them—and to remind myself—that we can survive the hardest days, one step at a time. I run to honor those we’ve lost, to support those still fighting, and to stand in solidarity with anyone who may one day face this battle. Together, we move forward.