As many of you know, in 2020, I was supposed to run my first marathon ever - the Chicago Marathon, for Team Resilience, benefiting Erika’s Lighthouse. I was beyond excited, because I was going to make one of my many wishes come true. It has been on my bucket list for a very long time. Last year’s marathon was cancelled because of COVID, but I am thrilled that I am running this year, on October 10! Erika’s Lighthouse is a non-profit dedicated to educating and raising awareness about childhood and adolescent depression, striving to break down the stigma surrounding mental health issues. This past school year, Erika’s Lighthouse’s free programs were used in 6 countries, 43 states, 558 schools, and reached 218,000 children and teens. I chose Erika’s Lighthouse, because I have been affiliated with this wonderful organization for the last several years. I have known Ginny and Tom Neuckranz, the founders of Erika’s Lighthouse, as well as many other people devoted to this organization. The organization is dedicated to Tom and Ginny’s daughter Erika, who committed suicide at the age of 14 in 2004. When I first heard their story, I was in total shock and disbelief. I did not realize that so many of our children are suffering from depression or have thoughts of suicide. This was new to me. I knew about it, but when I grew up in Poland, it was still in the dark. People didn’t use the word depression, and some still do not, not believing it is a real, treatable illness, just like any other illness. As the mother of a teenage son and someone who has known people who have both struggled with depression and have taken their lives, I know how important it is to educate our children, and ourselves, about depression and good mental health practices. I’m asking you for your help to support this wonderful organization. Click on the link below to support me, and Team Resilience! And, thank you!