I have served in the military for 10 years, and while it has been an amazing journey, it also comes with a great burden. Leaving family behind, dealing with constant stress, and experiencing loss are realities many of us face. During my time in service, I lost friends many friends who I called my brothers/sisters. Carrying those experiences eventually led me into a period of depression. During one of the hardest times in my life, like many of us, I found it difficult to reach out or express what I was feeling, so I turned to running. What started as a way to clear my mind became something that helped me cope, manage stress, and begin healing. Today, running gives me purpose and strength—a reason to keep fighting. Through Team Red, White & Blue, veterans and service members have a community that understands what we go through. Running the Walt Disney World Marathon is my way of honoring the friends I’ve lost and supporting those who are still fighting their own mental battles. Every mile I run is for them and for those who continue to carry the weight of their service long after the uniform comes off.