Here is a little background story as to why I decided to organize this race….
God made me a steward of four of His children. A 22-year-old son, and three beautiful daughters who are 21, 19 and 15. This past year, our family has been tested beyond imagination. We buried my 22-year-old son (Micah) April 7, 2021. He had his whole life before him and was taken too soon by an accidental overdose of cocaine. Nine months before he passed away, My now 19-year-old, Caitlin, had hung herself. My oldest daughter, Alyssa, is the one who found her and did lifesaving measures. She went without a heartbeat for 5 min. She should not have woken up and if she did, they thought she would not be able to talk, walk or comprehend things, pretty much be a vegetable. The doctors said she was a miracle. Thankfully, God chose to keep her with us because He is not finished with her here on earth. She woke up on her own while in a medically induced coma. She is doing great now, considering she lost her brother.
I was out of work for two months after the death of my son. Just when I started to go back half days, I got a call from my oldest daughter. Weeks prior, she admitted to me that she was having impulsive thoughts of suicide. I told her to see a doctor and tell them your story. She suffers from anxiety, PTSD from doing the lifesaving measures on her sister, grief and now depression. We tried praying, reading our Bible and rebuking the attacks on her mind. But it had gotten to a point where she needed professional help. I had to rush down to Georgia 5 1/2 hours from me to be her advocate and to make sure she was safe. Two days later she asked to be admitted voluntarily into an inpatient program. During this time her husband was finishing his AIT training at Fort Gordon. He graduated and was able to take over for me. They are now in El Paso at his next duty station and she is receiving help there.
I’m sharing all of this with all of you in hopes that you, your friends and families will consider supporting this cause by sponsoring or registering to run!
I have had to experience a lot of firsts without him. First it was Mother’s Day. His sister's birthdays. August 30th was my son,s 23rd birthday. To my surprise, I found out that that day is also international overdose awareness day. And now the holidays!! I am determined to turn this tragedy into something wonderful for the kingdom of God. That is why I decided to start a Facebook group called Moving in Courage and Hope in honor of my son Micah and to hopefully encourage people dealing with all sorts of pain and grief. Shortly after I started this group I had a vision to organize a 5k race to raise awareness about how bad overdose is getting in our community and state. Mental health awareness is a big part of this event and to help end the stigma placed on addicts. This 1st annual Run for Micah 5k being held on April 2nd, 2022 and is officially being sponsored by Fleet Feet. I am thrilled that what was only a dream has become reality!
Thank you for taking the time to read what is very near and dear to my heart!
