Running Towards Light: In Memory of Ryan

This October, I’m running 30 miles overnight through the woods. Why, you might wonder? I wondered the same. I felt something ethereal calling me—like the trail was asking me to try. There’s a peace I find when I run through the trees. Healing. I signed up before I could reason my way out of it. Then I started searching for deeper meaning in the challenge. That’s when I thought of my friend Ryan. I always do.

Ryan passed away unexpectedly on May 11, 2024, but he is everywhere now. With his family’s blessing, I decided to dedicate this race to him, raising funds for a cause that is quite literally in his honor.

I am using this race to raise money and awareness for the newly established Ryan James Lamonde Loveworks Fund at Point Loma Nazarene University. This fund, created by his loving family and the university, helps students with financial need go on mission trips—to serve, grow, and connect with their faith and the world, just like Ryan did.

Ryan was the kind of person who let you show up fully. We shared letters, silence, hard questions—and an appreciation for simple things. He made me feel understood, unconditionally: a rare gift. Ryan loved walking barefoot in nature, disliked small talk, and cared deeply for his people. He moved through the world with humor, a quiet intensity, and whole-hearted empathy.

The race itself also supports something Ryan cared deeply about: the environment. All proceeds from the event go to trail conservation in Brookline and Milford, NH.

Grief and gratitude are not mutually exclusive. I am running to remember, to heal, and to help carry on Ryan’s legacy of kindness and service. Ryan moved through this world running towards truth, not from it. May we all be so brave.

If you feel moved to give, thank you. Your support helps carry his spirit forward, in adventure and in service to others.

To donate to the Ryan James Lamonde Loveworks Fund:

Donate here, knowing that all funds raised will go directly to the foundation.

Or:

Visit https://www.pointloma.edu/give/how-give or click here.

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“Dear Hannah,

Your gift is yourself, and yourself is enough.

~ Love, Ryan”