I'm running the Twin Cities Marathon (my first marathon!) October 7th, 2018. October 7th also happens to be the first day of National Mental Illness Awareness Week. What better time to raise money for a non-profit organization that I believe is extremely important? I’m raising money for NAMI Minnesota. NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) is an organization that "strives to create a better tomorrow—a tomorrow where all people affected by mental illness can experience hope, recovery and wellness in a world free of stigma.”

Whether it’s an eating disorder, ADHD, depression, schizophrenia, PTSD, bipolar disorder, anxiety, OCD or any other form of mental illness- we all know someone who has dealt with or is dealing with these on a daily basis.  A lot of people dealing with these mental illnesses don't receive the support they deserve. NAMI works to raise awareness and provide essential and free education, advocacy and support group programs.

Donations help ensure that no individual or family is alone on their mental health journey, as well as provide a national network of support and resources, both online and in communities across the country.

More about NAMI: https://namimn.org/about-nami-minnesota/
Mental Health Statistics: https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-By-the-Numbers
On Stigma: https://www.nami.org/Personal-Stories/Steps-to-Stomp-out-Stigma