A MESSAGE FROM Sherri's Fundraising Page for NoStigmas
I am running the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon in support of NoStigmas, a non-profit organization focused on mental health support and suicide prevention.
I've shared my journey with postpartum depression (PPD) on my social media accounts on several occasions, and each time am overcome by the outpouring of support and the sheer number of women (women who I know, mind you!) that come forward to me with their own story. They often tell me they felt comfortable sharing with me since I was so open about myself and my struggles. It goes to show that the more vulnerability we show, and the less we treat social media as a highlight reel, the better we get to know the people whose photos and status updates we are liking, loving, and laughing at. Sadly, though, there remains a lot of stigma surrounding mental health and specifically, medication.
I would be remiss to not mention my incredible husband, Brandon, who saw the signs of my PPD after the birth of our second daughter and acted on it. While I did experience PPD symptoms after our first, he could tell this time was different... I was not getting better. I knew that I was full of rage, was not feeling connected to my baby, and had thoughts of leaving this earth, and even still, I was not seeking any professional help. I felt numb. He researched therapists who focused in PPD, asked me to pick one off of his list, and booked the initial appointment for me. I was skeptical about her but once we met I immediately found comfort in the fact that she too knew, experienced, and overcame the dark world of PPD. Thus began a 4 year journey into healing and getting to know myself better.
I remained committed to seeking therapy because while yes it was helping me process a lot of painful things that happened during my childhood, it frankly was helping me to become a better mother. Poor mental health in parents is related to poor mental and physical health in their children. This was my main motivation to continue with my therapist. I want my children to be the best versions of themselves, and I need to help set that example.
When I become pregnant for a third time I was so afraid to fall down the hole of depression again, and that was when medication entered my life. My therapist helped me broach the topic with my Ob/Gyn, because sadly, despite having a history of PPD, my doctor did not ever educate me on or discuss medication with me. I was prescribed and am still taking an antidepressant to help manage my symptoms of depression and anxiety. And no, this is not something that I am ashamed of.
Running my first marathon for Team NoStigmas is moving and motivating for me. During each mile of training I will be thinking of every parent who has shared their mental health struggles with me. Every dollar donated brings awareness to the importance of mental health. My marathon will be dedicated to anyone who is silently battling.
Please support my fundraising efforts! No donation is too small.
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