A MESSAGE FROM 2022 NY Marathon Solace House
Hi, and welcome to my page! I am so excited to be running in the NY Marathon and am honored to be on the Solace House team. I love everything that this organization represents and is doing for the community. I have chosen to support Solace House in the marathon for many reasons. First, because I am a mental health counselor in the state of Illinois and have seen day in and day out for the last 20+ years how important access to mental health services is. The impact mental illness has on not only individuals, but their entire family, can be devastating. Suicidal distress in particular is experiencing pain on the deepest levels for both the person in distress, but also their loved ones who want so badly to help but often times feel helpless in their abilities to do so. The fact that Solace House is a free nation-wide resource for those in distress is a wonderful thing.
However, the real reason I'm running is for my two children and with their permission I am sharing our story. In 2021 my eldest child, an insightful, wise and artistic teen who has struggled with depression for years, told me they couldn't keep themself safe. In anguish, it was revealed to me that they had attempted to take their life 3 times but this time they wanted help.
Nine months later my son who had remained stoic, brave and steadfast through all the turmoil of the past few years came to me in distress. His once cheerful and playful demeanor replaced by fear and tears. He admitted that he too was experiencing "dark thoughts" and this time he couldn't make them go away or ignore them. The night before he had wanted to take his life but waited to talk to me instead. It is for my 2 children, the loves and light of my life, that I run for Solace House.
But why run a marathon to support a great organization? Three years ago I began running to relieve my own stress. As the stress compounded my running increased until one day I ran 15 miles without realizing it. Looking at my Fitbit in amazement my first thought was "At this rate I really COULD run a marathon!" It quickly dawned on me that while I knew running was helpful, I was literally trying to run away from my problems. I needed to change my perspective. Instead of running away, I needed to run towards something. Something positive...a goal. That goal became the 2020 Chicago Marathon. That, of course, was cancelled due to COVID, however the goal was realized in 2021 with the Chicago Marathon being the first race I had ever run in my life. Looking back I see that running had become my own life preserver. It became my respite from the chaos all around me and saved me so I could help my children.
I am so pleased to say that today my kids and I are all in a good place. My kids are happy again, engaged in activities and spending time with family. The love and support we have received from family, friends and treatment providers has been a saving grace. I truthfully don't think we'd be where we are today if it wasn't for them and I can honestly now say I HAVE MY KIDS BACK!
Because we are doing so well today is a testament to the treatment teams our family has worked with. Treatment works and there is hope. The darkness doesn't always last and there are good people in the world that want to help. And they can help if you reach out to them. Even if you can't donate, I want to minimize the stigma and remind people that mental health issues affect EVERY family in some capacity. One of the bravest things a person can do is to ask for help. Let's make sure that help is available. If you are in a position to donate, please consider doing so. Your donation will help ensure those in need can get the help they need without paying a dime. Supporting Solace House while running the NY Marathon 2022 is the most meaningful way I can think of to pay it forward.
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