; Going the Distance

I would first like to explain the meaning of the name of my team. A semicolon tattoo has become a symbol of daily struggles with self-identity and fortitude for many people. The tattoo is to remind them of what they have endured and to remind them to continue making strides daily toward a healthier life. Plus, it's an invitation to start a conversation about mental health and suicide. The rest of the name ties into the idea that these same people have made a promise to themselves and their loved ones that they won't do self-harm ever again. I lost a girlfriend, Theresa M. Burke, in a bad car accident and possible suicide nearly twenty years ago and within thirty days I also lost my brother-in-law, Greg Bischoff. My ex-girlfriend lost her mother, Donna Santos, at very young age, and my son-in-law lost his brother, Timmy Austin. I have struggled with self-worth; I have major depression, social anxiety and I have attempted suicide in the past and pondered it as recently as last year. So this is VERY personal issue for me! Mental health touches every person daily whether you know it or not and there are NO boundaries!! It doesn't matter if you are rich, poor, white, black, gay, straight, short ,tall, slender or fat .Someone you know today is struggling with a mental health problem, so the more you know the better you will be equipped to help a friend, family, acquaintance or partner, someone you love deeply! My team, “; Going the Distance,” will do the 5K walk on Saturday, October, 8th, 2016, but it won't end there. We will continue to make strides in our daily lives and inform people that there IS help and brighter days ahead with the right help, knowledge and support from loved ones. It might be a hard road at times, but I know I am worth the effort! So if you knew any of these people and want to show your support for the education of the public to reduce the stigma of mental health illnesses you can donate money or come out and do the walk with my team.