Fundraising Page: Michael Patterson

2026 Team Resilience

Michael Patterson

October 11, 2026 5:00am - 4:00pm

I love running!
I love running!

For many years I struggled with addiction, I threw away a significant portion of my life because of drugs. Running is what saved me. I never had any passions, any hobbies, it was always just have as much fun as possible via drugs. My entire life I have struggled with anxiety and depression and I turned to drugs to self-medicate. I am now approaching 3 years clean from heroin/fentanyl (02/20/2023) and I owe it all to running! I never thought life could be this good and I just want to show people that no matter how bad your current situation is, just know, it DOES GET BETTER!

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Richmond Marathon 2025
Richmond Marathon 2025

My first marathon! This was the most amazing experience of my life! I can't put into words how amazing it feels to prove to yourself that you are capable. You can do anything you put your mind to. As the great Eliud Kipchoge says, "No human is limited." THANK YOU RICHMOND!!!

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Morning Miles Run Club
Morning Miles Run Club

I can't tell you what this means to me. When I decided to change my life for the better, I cut off all the people from my life of addiction. This left me as a 26 year old with basically no friends. My entire life I have struggled with social anxiety, talking to people, and feeling accepted. It took me showing up to this Run Club 6-8 times before I spoke to anyone. I still remember the day that changed, I decided to run with the 8 minute/mile pace group and met Casey Cline. Her simple act of kindness of talking to me changed everything. It made me feel like I could be accepted, like I could have friends, like all the bad stuff from my past didn't define me. It was the simple act of talking to me, but it made all the difference in my life. If you take anything away from this, it's that you should never underestimate the impact of a single, simple act of kindness. The world needs more of that.

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Happy.
Happy.

I want everyone to know that it's COOL to be yourself. Lean into what makes you unique, weird, special, whatever you want to call it. For so much of my life I tried to act like what I thought people would like, this resulted in me not being my authentic self. It feels so good to be freed from all that pressure. For the first time in my life I can say I am proud of the person I am. I finally love myself. Running/fitness was the conduit for this.

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None of this would be possible without Faith.
None of this would be possible without Faith.

There was a solid stretch of my life where I truly believed no one could be happy without opioids. I thought for the rest of my life I would wake up sick, needing opioids to function and live life. I always laughed at fitness people thinking to myself they were lame for trying, I thought giving effort was stupid. Boy was I mistaken. Via my rock bottom, I discovered faith. My entire life I was an atheist, I still don't necessarily relate with religion but I'm beyond certain that God exists. I believe he saved my life. And I am beyond grateful.

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Christmas 2023
Christmas 2023

I was sentenced to 15 months in prison for drug trafficking. My house was raided and the amount of drugs I was in possession of technically qualified me as a "drug trafficker". This is what I'm most ashamed of. However, prison totally saved my life. I am extremely stubborn and hard-headed and always learn things the hard way, prison was no different. I don't believe I would be alive today if it were not for prison.

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Support My Fundraising Efforts

Erika's Lighthouse provides the leading depression education and suicide prevention curriculum in the U.S. It’s easy for busy educators to implement and is 100% free. Fundraise with me as I empower students with a lifeline for a lifetime.

Erika’s Lighthouse is a non-profit organization that believes that every student should have the knowledge and tools they need to care for their mental health. We’re proud to provide our high-quality, comprehensive depression education and suicide prevention curriculum to school districts across the country, at zero cost. Every student. Every classroom. Every school.

My Supporters

  • Anonymous Last month $104.95
  • Danny Rock Last month $25.00
  • David Berry You’re an amazing person! Best of everything to you!! January 2026 $104.95
  • Emily Sherman So proud of you Michael and all of your accomplishments. Always in your corner rooting for you. Continue to inspire.  January 2026 $50.00
  • Casey Cline So proud of you Mike! You’re inspiring so many! Keep going!!!! Excited to see you crush Chicago! January 2026 $26.24
  • Tracy Not at this time please God bless you Michael  It’s my deepest joy experiencing your journey from age two! Sooo happy for you January 2026 $500.00
  • Gerard DeViller January 2026 $150.00
  • Anonymous Last month $104.95
  • David Berry You’re an amazing person! Best of everything to you!! January 2026 $104.95
  • Joe Castellano January 2026 $52.47

$1,246.08

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$3,000.00

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  • $500+ Raised
    $500+ Raised

    Awarded when Anyone reaches $500.00 in donations

    Awarded 01/08/2026

  • 25% of Goal
    25% of Goal

    Awarded when Anyone reaches 25 % of goal

    Awarded 01/09/2026

  • Profile Completed
    Profile Completed

    Awarded when Anyone completes their profile

    Awarded 01/09/2026

  • Reach 10 Donors
    Reach 10 Donors

    Awarded when Anyone receives 10 or more donations

    Awarded 01/09/2026

  • $1k+ Raised
    $1k+ Raised

    Awarded when Anyone reaches $1,000.00 in donations

    Awarded 01/12/2026

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