The Internal Marathon

Running 26.2 miles requires an immense amount of mental discipline, dedication, and physical preparation. It is not dissimilar to the journey of navigating, fostering, and managing one's mental health. I have often believed that we are the sum of our lived experiences and for me, those experiences include navigating complex waves of anxiety and periodic bouts of depression.

For a long time, I feared that admitting my struggles would make me seem fragile. Especially growing up as an only child in a small family, I was always worried about causing my family unnecessary worry.

So my solution included keeping it all in and isolating myself in the hopes of not adding on to other’s concerns. This is something I still struggle with to this day. I’ve learned that this isolation is far more damaging than the struggle itself. I am excited to run my first marathon for NoStigmas to prove that seeking support is not a sign of weakness, but a profound show of strength.

Why NoStigmas?

I chose NoStigmas because of their belief that no one should fight these battles alone. They provide the community and tools necessary to ensure that "suffering in silence" becomes a thing of the past. Their focus on peer-to-peer support creates a safety net for those who feel they have to hide their true selves.

Your Impact

Whether it is $5 or $500, every dollar makes a tangible difference in breaking the cycle of isolation. I greatly appreciate any contribution you can make. Your support will be invaluable in providing resources, tools, and training throughout NoStigmas.

• $26.20 (The Mile Marker): Sponsor one mile of my race.

• $50 (The Pacesetter): Funds mental health awareness materials for community events.

• $100 (The Finish Line): Supports the training of a new NoStigmas Advocate.

• $250 (The Champion): Covers overhead for a month of digital support platform access.