If you know me well, you know that I love to be with my family and friends, have any reason to dress in costume, and to run. These 3 things bring me the most happiness and joy. As a mother and middle school counselor, I try to encourage others to find their own happiness and to join me in mine:) I don’t like to do much alone, especially running. Over the years, I have tried to encourage/inspire my girls to love running by starting a neighborhood run club and later running fun races together like school Color Runs, Jeanine Nicarico G.L.O.W. Run, Naperville Kids Marathon, Naperville Half Marathon & 5K, and the Race to Wrigley. For many years, I have participated, begged staff members to join me, and fundraised together for my school district on Team IPEF in the Naperville Half Marathon & 5K. I try to drag anyone and everyone out in either costume or to run a fun race with me.
While reflecting on 2023 and thinking about my 2024 resolutions, I watched a special edition episode on Meet the Press (Sunday, December 31) about the Mental Health Crisis in the US. US suicides and depression rates have hit an all-time high! The statistics on suicide, loneliness, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, social media impacts, and lack of access to healthcare are staggering and very concerning as a parent and a middle school counselor. As a school counselor, a BIG part of my job is educating our students, their families, and staff about depression and suicide awareness. As a parent of two adolescent girls, I try to promote and model good mental health. But I know I can do more for myself, my girls, and others, which is why I decided to run the 2024 Chicago Marathon with Erika’s Lighthouse charity team called “Team Resilience” to help boost my own happiness and mental health while helping others.
I made a commitment to RUN and train for my 4th Chicago marathon while fundraising and supporting a great cause. Erika’s Lighthouse provides FREE mental health curriculum and programs for educators and parents to support our youth. Professionally, I have used Erika’s Lighthouse for years and this is my opportunity to give back. Erika’s Lighthouse is a local nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide FREE mental health programs for any school, anywhere. Erika’s Lighthouse is donor-funded depression education programming that provides a message of hope that raises awareness about adolescent depression, promotes good mental health, empowers teens, and supports EDUCATORS. There are also amazing family resources for families to practice Good Mental Health together and/or how to navigate how to get professional help for you or your child. Please take a moment to take a look at Erika’s Lighthouse philosophy and mission. Make it a goal of your own to boost your own happiness and mental health this year!!
If you want to support me and Erika’s Lighthouse Team Resilience in 2024, you can donate to my charity team. Your donation will help provide free education and resources for educators and parents!