Andrea’s Run for Mental Health
Donation protected
On June 7, 2020, I woke up to what I thought was a normal day. My partner was asleep beside me. We had dinner plans. It was a rainy Sunday. I carried about my morning chores and exercise, unaware that my life was about to change in every possible way.
On that day, my partner took his life. David, with the biggest smile and the sparkliest eyes. The one who laughed loudest, and helped everyone, and was irresistible to everyone who met him. The life of every party. Depression stole him from us. He had suffered in silence and we didn’t see it coming.
Unfortunately, depression affects so many people. Men, in particular, are often hesitant to ask for help or treatment. There’s a stigma. There’s pressure. There’s hopelessness.
For the month of September, I have made the decision to run every single day. Some days will be longer, some may be shorter, but I’m committing to run. David struggled until what he was carrying was too heavy. I will run, because I can. I will carry the memory, and the message, and the desire to help others find light in the darkness.
For each kilometre that I run, I will be donating $2 to the Canadian Mental Health Association. In addition, if I am joined by a friend in person for a run, I will donate an extra $1. If this speaks to you, I hope you will consider a donation as well. You can donate for each kilometre that I run, or you can donate any amount, big or small. Or you can stand in solidarity and walk, jog or run. For David, and for those who love and miss him, and most especially for those in the darkness who need help to find the way out. Every single dollar collected will be donated in David’s memory to CMHA Calgary, to help those who need it. If we can help just one person, the ripple effect can be endless.
I can’t bring him back. But I can be a lighthouse in the dark. Join me.
On that day, my partner took his life. David, with the biggest smile and the sparkliest eyes. The one who laughed loudest, and helped everyone, and was irresistible to everyone who met him. The life of every party. Depression stole him from us. He had suffered in silence and we didn’t see it coming.
Unfortunately, depression affects so many people. Men, in particular, are often hesitant to ask for help or treatment. There’s a stigma. There’s pressure. There’s hopelessness.
For the month of September, I have made the decision to run every single day. Some days will be longer, some may be shorter, but I’m committing to run. David struggled until what he was carrying was too heavy. I will run, because I can. I will carry the memory, and the message, and the desire to help others find light in the darkness.
For each kilometre that I run, I will be donating $2 to the Canadian Mental Health Association. In addition, if I am joined by a friend in person for a run, I will donate an extra $1. If this speaks to you, I hope you will consider a donation as well. You can donate for each kilometre that I run, or you can donate any amount, big or small. Or you can stand in solidarity and walk, jog or run. For David, and for those who love and miss him, and most especially for those in the darkness who need help to find the way out. Every single dollar collected will be donated in David’s memory to CMHA Calgary, to help those who need it. If we can help just one person, the ripple effect can be endless.
I can’t bring him back. But I can be a lighthouse in the dark. Join me.
Organizer
Andrea Gordon
Organizer
Calgary, AB
