7 Marathons. 7 Continents. 7 Days.

Running the Great World Race to Raise Suicide Awareness

This November, I'll take on the challenge of a lifetime: running 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 consecutive days as part of the Great World Race.

But this journey is about far more than running.

It's about honoring Reese Widman's legacy, sharing a message of hope, and supporting Widdy's Work as they work to raise suicide awareness, encourage conversations around mental health, and remind people that they are never alone.

To honor the spirit of the 7-7-7 challenge, my goal is to raise $7,770, with 100% of every donation made through this GoFundMe going directly to Widdy's Work.

Every mile starts a conversation.

Every conversation has the power to save a life.

Reese's Story

A joyful, compassionate 17-year-old named Reese Widman left behind one message for the world:

"Do what I couldn't do; get help."

Mental health doesn't always look the way we expect.

Sometimes the people who seem happiest are carrying struggles no one else can see.

That was Reese.

Reese was the kind of person who brought joy wherever he went. He was an athlete, teammate, loyal friend, son, brother, and the life of the party. He loved baseball, making people laugh, dancing, traveling with his family, creating memories with friends, and simply enjoying life. He was a fierce competitor who genuinely cared about the people around him.

Behind his smile, Reese was silently struggling.

On January 7, 2023, at just 17 years old, Reese died by suicide.

In the notes he left for his family and friends, Reese wasn't focused on himself. He was worried about the people he loved and wanted to make sure no one else experienced the pain he had been carrying.

His final words became a call to action:

"Do what I couldn't do; get help."

In the face of unimaginable loss, Reese's family chose to create hope.

They founded Widdy's Work, a nonprofit dedicated to raising suicide awareness, expanding mental health education, encouraging people to ask for help, and creating communities where every person knows they matter.

Their mission is simple but powerful:

To help ensure that no family has to experience the loss they have endured.

Why I'm Running

Running has always been about more than crossing a finish line.

As a counselor, coach, and runner, I've seen how many people quietly carry struggles that others never recognize. Too often, people suffer in silence because they fear judgment, believe they're a burden, or don't know where to turn.

When I learned Reese's story and the incredible work his family is doing, I knew this challenge had to represent something bigger than myself.

Over seven days, I'll run marathons across Antarctica, Africa, Australia, Asia, Europe, South America, and North America.

Each finish line represents another opportunity to start a conversation.

Another opportunity to remind someone they matter.

Another opportunity to encourage someone to ask for help.

If even one person reaches out because of this journey, every mile will be worth it.

How Your Donation Helps

Every dollar raised through this GoFundMe goes directly to Widdy's Work.

Your generosity helps support:

❤️ Suicide awareness initiatives

❤️ Mental health education and resources

❤️ Community outreach and prevention efforts

❤️ Conversations that reduce stigma

❤️ Hope for individuals, families, schools, and communities

Every donation—no matter the size—helps carry Reese's message forward.

If You Can't Donate

You can still make an incredible difference.

Share this fundraiser.

Start a conversation.

Check in with a friend, family member, neighbor, or coworker.

Ask one simple question:

"How are you really doing?"

Then listen.

Be present.

Sometimes one conversation can change—or even save—a life.

Together, We Can Make Every Mile Matter

This journey isn't just about running seven marathons.

It's about honoring Reese's legacy.

It's about helping more people know that asking for help is a sign of strength.

It's about replacing stigma with compassion.

It's about creating hope through conversation.

Together, we can help ensure more people hear the message Reese wanted the world to know:

"Do what I couldn't do; get help."

Whether you donate, share this campaign, or simply reach out to someone who may be struggling, you are helping carry that message forward.

Together, we can remind people everywhere:

You are loved.

You are important.

You matter.

Thank you for supporting Widdy's Work, believing in this journey, and helping make every mile matter.