WHY RUN 174KM?
ERIN, WHY ARE YOU RUNNING?
I've seen, too often, what PTSD can do to people, including in my own family. With support from the BC Guide Dog Association my brother was paired with a PTSD service dog and for the first time in decades - I have my brother back, his kids have their dad back - and the world has this smart and compassionate nerd again. PTSD is real. It affects someone you know. It's our job as a community to make sure no one feels alone, and fund the programs that truly help people. I'm running for my brother, but also for my brothers and sisters in arms - present and departed that suffer or have suffered with this condition.
KATIE, WHY IS PTSD AWARENESS IMPORTANT?
We talk about PTSD in my line of work but I don't see enough strides being made to genuinely support the people who are struggling. PTSD is still regarded as an inevitable career-ender with poor prognosis, and too often we talk about it most when we lose one of our peers. I'm running for change. I'm running for funding for treatment and for the programs to guide people through the dark. I'm running so PTSD becomes a part of our journey and not the end of our story.
ELLEN, WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?
Mental health is paramount, I've seen how debilitating it can be when not addressed. Those suffering from PTSD deserve to have someone who cares.
LIZ, WHY ARE YOU RUNNING?
I run for fresh air, freedom, and for how it works my "resiliency muscles". Suffering to me is easier when you embrace the challenge, appreciate the resistance and grow from its lessons I run for how it prepares me for life's challenges. Participating in this run was an exciting opportunity, because it's a showcase of camaraderie, common goals, and the literal and metaphorical steps being taken to support and heal.
ELLIE, WHY RUN FOR MENTAL HEALTH?
Mental health is health. I'm fighting to start conversations and end the stigma around seeking mental health support.
KAT, WHY RUN ALL THIS WAY?
In short - I run to show support, and raise awareness in hopes of destigmatizing mental health illnesses.
Hey #8, WHY THIS RUN?
Group events raise great awareness and I am always up for a challenge while doing so!
MJ, WHAT WILL KEEP YOU GOING?
I'll keep going because it's important, this is empowering change and support.
EMMA, WHY ARE YOU HELPING US OUT?
Having had mental health struggles myself, I know how tempting it is to try and carry all of the weight yourself and try to muscle your way through it. Starting these conversations is such an important part of having people know they're not alone in carrying that weight.
RENEE, WHY LEND YOUR SUPPORT?
Mental health is literally everything. And too many people are left feeling alone and under-supported in their darkest times. This is something that needs to change, and we change it by opening up and normalizing our mental health struggles. I'm proud to volunteer with this amazing group of women who are part of the change.