Hi all! I am super excited to say that on October 13th, I will be running the 2024 Chicago Marathon to raise funds in support of Erika's Lighthouse! To partner with such an amazing organization has made my second marathon experience all that more special, and I feel honored to be supporting this cause.
The mission of this organization resonates with my heart for numerous reasons. First, I have been involved with and passionate about healthcare since my diagnosis of Crohn’s Disease at the age of 15. As my physical health has seesawed since my diagnosis, so has my mental health. I can empathize with what it feels like to be depressed, anxious, confused and lonely. On the other hand, I can also empathize with the liberating feelings of empowerment and engagement, and the impact that a caring support system and education can have on creating those feelings.
Second, I have worked within the public school system for the last two years as an AmeriCorps service member. Last year I had the privledge of working with Colorado Reading Corps, where I provided 1:1 reading tutoring to K-3 students, and this year I have the privledge of working with Colorado Youth for a Change, where I work as a Family Advocate for teenage and expecting moms at Florence Crittenton High School. In both lower and higher levels of education, I interacted with a large amount of students who have expressed a need for mental health care, and I have seen how this mental health support can truly foster a child's growth as not only a student, but a whole person.
Through my partnership with Erika's Lightouse, all money raised will support their mission of making sure no young person feels alone in their depression. Erika's Lighthouse does this by creating middle school and high school teen depression awareness programs. Through these programs, educators and teens can then create their own safe spaces that are filled with empathy and education, where teens can learn about depression and go to in times of need.
Thank you for any support you can provide to my run and fundraiser! My hope is that together we can make a bigger impact in the fight for mental health support for students! :)