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.
Hi! My name is Natalie, and I'm running the Chicago Marathon with Team Resilience in support of Erika's Lighthouse. My connection to this organization began in middle school through the Justin Wynn Leadership Academy (JWLA), where we worked with and fundraised for Erika's Lighthouse. Even then, I felt very inspired by their mission, helping students my own age recognize the early signs of depression and learn how to support each other. After graduating college, I found myself missing that sense of purpose and community engagement that I got through the JWLA and other college organizations. Running this marathon feels like the perfect way to reconnect with a cause that has always meant so much to me while doing something I love.
I didn't start running until college, after the organized sports I relied on for exercise in high school ended. Struggling to manage the stress and anxiety of college life, I turned to running and I haven't looked back since. Over the past two years, I ran three half marathons and found an incredible, supportive running community. Now, I'm running my first full marathon in my favorite city, for a cause that means so much to me.
Thank you for supporting both Erika's Lighthouse and my miles. Any donation, no matter the size, makes a difference.