Dear friends and family,
I am excited and proud (and most definitely nervous!) to share that next Sunday, November 5, 2023, I will be running in the New York City Marathon.
I am pleased to finally share this exciting journey I have been on and its importance to me.
After much research and outreach, I have partnered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for my marathon journey. Through support groups, political and social advocacy and education, NAMI helps individuals and families affected by mental illness build better lives. I have had the privilege of meeting NAMI volunteers and community members and have witnessed the impact their efforts and mission have on those affected by mental illness. Their mission is incredibly important, and one that holds personal meaning to me.
Two years ago, my brother Brian passed away after sudden and unexpected mental health challenges. Words cannot describe what an incredible person Brian was and the deep and lasting impact he had on so many people. Brian was a force, a connector, and a motivator. He was the brightest person in the room who effortlessly and gracefully radiated empathy and warmth. He made each person feel genuinely seen, heard and appreciated. His positive energy could help elevate any situation. I am so grateful that he was my brother, and his impact and memory live on with his family, friends, colleagues, and all those that he touched along the way.
I will forever find Brian’s loss to be devastating and hard to understand. The best we can do is to honor him by living as he would – each day brighter, lighter, and with intention and abundant gratitude – and to help those in need, especially those suffering behind closed doors.
The mental health system is confusing, complicated, layered, and in many ways, broken. NAMI is helping to change that, and I am proud to partner with them to advance their mission.
I kindly ask that you consider a donation to NAMI, and specifically to my dedicated marathon fundraising page in memory of Brian. Any donation big or small makes a difference and is sincerely appreciated. For more information, including the link to donate, please see below.
Kerry’s NYC Marathon Fundraising Page
Thank you for taking the time to read this email. Talking about Brian is one of my favorite things in the world to do, and since this is in the theme of running, I noted down a fun running memory about Brian, if you care to read.
For Brian’s memory, it is important to always keep the stories going. I hope for those that knew him or knew of him, this inspires you to tell your own story about him to someone.
Brian and the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot
AFTER-PARTY / COURSE CHEER SPACE
For anyone in the NYC-area, there will be a celebration at Fiddlesticks (56 Greenwich Ave) kicking off around 4:30 pm and I would love to see you there. Kids, strollers, friends, welcome!
AND, if you want to see me in action (!), there is a designated NAMI cheer section taking place on Sunday on 91st and 1st . Or, I’d love to see you anywhere along the way: course map. I’ll be sure to share my bib number once it is issued.
Now onto the starting line!
Many thanks,
Kerry
About NAMI-NYC
NAMI-NYC helps families and individuals affected by mental illness build better lives through education, support, and advocacy. As a mental health leader in New York City, NAMI-NYC provides the most comprehensive family and peer support system. Since 1982, NAMI-NYC has provided support to a vastly under-served population of families and individuals who live with mental illness. Their helpline, peer-led support groups, and educational courses allow families and individuals to share their struggles, and talk about symptoms, treatments, community resources, and strategies for coping. All groups and classes are facilitated by trained peer volunteers - they have "been there," where you are, and they understand what you're going through. Your donations help NAMI-NYC provide education, support, and advocacy to over 30,000 New Yorkers yearly, all free-of-charge to anyone who needs them. With your support, we can help to continue to expand NAMI's services to reach more New Yorkers every year. For more information on NAMI-NYC's programs or to access their services, please contact the Helpline: 212.684.3264 or helpline@naminyc.org francis
