On April 19th, I’m completing 3.1 miles with To Write Love on Her Arms in the Move For It 5K.
Never in my 30 years of living did I think I would sign up to do a 5K, but then again, 14 years ago, I didn’t think I would make it to 30 to have the ability to sign up for a 5K.
And that’s why I signed up.
Fear has always been in my way and has held me back from living life, and it’s time that I change that. Instead of the fear of failure holding me back, I’m using that as motivation to move forward. I’ve always had a dream of doing a 5K, but I never thought I could actually do it, and if I ever did a 5K, I wanted to make sure my first one was the right one.
To Write Love On Her Arms is celebrating being around for 20 years, and they’ve been in my life for at least 15, maybe even more. This foundation has given me the hope to live life. The foundation provides resources, provides guidance, provides a light in the darkness for those who are feeling completely lost. This foundation is the reason I can do a 5K at the age of 30 years old.
I remember going to a concert at the Bottom Lounge in Chicago, and next to the merch table was a booth for mental health support. I was simply afraid of that booth because I didn’t know if I was worthy of help. Throughout the night, I would walk by the booth, just looking at the pamphlets from afar, trying to figure out what it was, and the curiosity moved me closer to have a discussion with the man at the booth. That conversation brought me to a website that made me feel less alone. That website gave me hope and showed me I was the only one walking around with a dark cloud overhead. That website led me to so many resources, gave me so many stories, and for the first time, gave me a reason to believe there is something more to life than the sinking ship I was on.
That brings me to now, living my best life at 30 years old, having the ability to tell my story and constantly be encouraged to do so, as well as having the ability to encourage others to share their stories. Storytelling is a gift, and everyone has a story to share. It makes us human. It makes us connect. It helps us realize we have a reason to belong. But I wouldn’t have realized all of that without To Write Love On Her Arms. That’s why I chose this 5K as my first 5K.
My goal is to raise $1000 for To Write Love On Her Arms. I understand right now we live in a world where money is tight, and if you can’t donate your money, then donate a comment or donate a share or donate the chance to tell your story and to live another day. I understand it’s a big goal, but the bigger goal is to help others like me live another day.
TWLOHA is a foundation that found me at my lowest. With their help and their resources, I found hope for myself. I’m officially 14 years of being self harm free and I don’t know if I would’ve made it this far without TWLOHA. Whenever I see their booths at an event, I breathe a little easier. I have hope in knowing someone that is walking by their booth will find the help, find the courage they need to take that first step. They’ll have the resources to take the next step in putting themselves first.
TWLOHA has given me the tools to help others and has been a driving force behind why I believe it’s so important for our stories to be heard. Someone out there is listening. It’s time to do more and put action into what they are hearing. That’s why I’m choosing to participate in this 5K. Because I have believed in myself all of these years and I’m taking a chance on myself. Your support will not only help TWLOHA but it will continue to motivate me knowing that my story is helping the community and anyone that is willing to listen. Spread the word and continue to speak love.
It’s more urgent than ever to get mental health resources to those struggling. Depression and suicide among young people have increased significantly since 2010.
- A gift of $25 connects 75 people to mental health resources
- A gift of $50 connects 2,500 people to an online community of support and hope
- A gift of $100 equips 200 high school students with a mental health literacy curriculum
To Write Love on Her Arms exists to connect people to a community of hope along with tangible mental health resources. Be a part of this movement of hope right now by making a generous gift.
Giving is fast, easy, and secure. Every gift, every story, and every conversation inspired by this movement helps people see the truth that they are worth the effort.
