To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA) is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. This July, I am taking on the challenge of cycling 200 miles to support their vital mission.

I stumbled across this challenge on Instagram, and it immediately struck a chord. After looking deeper into TWLOHA's work, it felt like a sign to take action. Their cause is something I take immense pride in supporting, and there is no better way for me to do so than on two wheels. Over the last year, biking has truly become my passion, my outlet, and my way of expressing myself physically.

My connection to this cause is deeply personal. A little over a year ago, I took up cycling to navigate my way out of a dark mental place. In April of last year, I took a leap of faith, went to Kozy’s on Halsted, and bought a discounted bike. It was a conscious choice to find an outlet, a physical and mental trail to guide me out of this dark place.

Forcing myself onto that path helped me accept a profound truth: I need the world, and the world needs me. Biking helped me understand that tomorrow needs me, that I am not a burden, and that the world is a better place with us in it.

Fast forward to today, and I am riding to pay that feeling forward. I am taking on this 200-mile challenge to help TWLOHA provide hope and resources to those who are struggling. I want to help someone else find their own right trail, to feel excited for tomorrow, and to know they are not alone.

The world is better when we are all here sharing this trail together. Thank you so much for your support, your donations, and for helping me spread this message!