I’ve lost my best friend to overdose. I’ve lost friends, I’ve lost people I loved, and I’ve watched far too many families lose someone they would give anything to have back.

There are people I would give anything to call one more time, hug one more time, or see get the second chance they never got.

That’s why this is so personal to me.

I’m the Vice President of End Overdose Tampa, and this February, I’m running my first half marathon to raise money and awareness for a mission that means everything to me.

I’ve never been a runner. A half marathon was never something I imagined myself doing. But over the last two years, my life has changed in ways I never thought possible.

I’m over two years sober, and sobriety gave me another chance at my own life. I get to wake up every day and keep going. I get to grow, chase new goals, become a better version of myself, and experience a life I once wasn’t living.

So many people I loved never got that chance.

And I don’t take mine for granted.

That’s why if I’m going to push myself farther than I ever have before, I want every mile to mean something.

Every mile I train, every race I run along the way, and every step I take during that half marathon is for someone who isn’t here to take another one.

For someone who deserved more time. Someone who deserved another chance. Someone who is still deeply loved and missed.

I’m running for my best friend. I’m running for the friends I’ve lost. I’m running for the families who know what it feels like to wish they could have just one more day with someone they love.

And I’m running for the people who are still here, because there are still lives we can save.

If you’re able to donate, every dollar will support End Overdose and the work we do to prevent overdose deaths. If you can’t donate, sharing this fundraiser and helping us spread awareness means just as much.

And if you’ve lost someone to overdose, send me their name.

I’ll run for them too.

End Overdose is a nonprofit dedicated to preventing overdose deaths. We provide free naloxone, fentanyl test strips, overdose response training, and education so people have the knowledge and tools they need when every second matters. Our resources and trainings are provided free of charge because having the ability to save a life should never depend on someone’s ability to pay.