A MESSAGE FROM Jennifer's Fundraising Page - Run For Life
Please check out this video, which is a tribute to my brothers, Brian and Scott: Cocoon/ Suicide Loss
I wrote this song about Brian in 1990, 12 years after he died (he was only 12 when he died). But now as I listen to it, I realize I was also expressing some of what my brother Scott was feeling... Scott was only 16 years old when Brian died. It’s not a great recording and my singing is a bit flat… I wish I had time to perfect it but, hey, I have to train for a marathon!
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Please support my efforts to raise funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). This year, I am running the NYC Marathon on Team AFSP in memory of my brothers, Brian and Scott. I lost Brian when I was 8 years old. He was only 12 years old. I lost Scott 30 years later, on his 46th birthday. These losses have affected me profoundly, in too many ways to describe here. I will just say that at times throughout my life, the pain has felt so overwhelming and unbearable. But then I remember, there are so many people in pain who need support, and there is so much love in the world to experience. So when life feels too difficult, I trust that I can tap into my inner strength and hope, and I do what I can to help others to do the same. Above all, I try to let people know that they are not alone.
I am also running in memory of Friends Academy friends, JA and MP, and in honor of my patients who have lost a loved one to suicide, those who have overcome their own suicidal ideation and those who continue to struggle with trauma and related mental health issues. A special shout out to SS... I would not be running this year if not for her... together we are running for life!
The past 18 months have been extremely challenging for everyone. For me, it has been difficult to live with ongoing concerns for the well-being and health of my family, many months of remote schooling for my now 9-year old, and adjusting to hours in front of a screen doing psychotherapy sessions over zoom for my patients. Many of the people I see have experienced an increase in loneliness, depressive symptoms, anxiety and substance use since the pandemic. But I have also seen resilience and strength in these same people!
In the midst of all of this, I have completely fallen off of my fitness regime, so 26.2 miles feels daunting! But... I have decided to take on this challenge, as this cause is so very important, especially now with so many people struggling with mental health issues. Please help me help others by lending your support through a donation. Thank you so much!
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