Want to join me in making a difference? I'll be completing the Penticton Ironman on August 29th, 2021 while raising money to benefit the Canadian Mental Health Association, B.C. Division.

After attending multiple self development courses which encouraged me to look inward, I was able to recognize the toll and unresolved effects, depression in my family had taken. By becoming vulnerable and sharing my experience with close friends and family, I was able to create a safe space where others also began to share their experience surrounding mental health with me. I realized that countless people go through similar circumstances, but never talk about these experiences with others.

So often we go around acting like everything in our life is fine, but I would like to encourage everyone to dig deeper, and uncover what is at the root. "Hurt travels through time. From one person to another this unwanted heaviness moves from the past, into the present and then into the future. One of the most heroic things anyone can do is break the line of hurt. When one person heals themselves, they stop the hurt from multiplying and their relationships become healthier. When one person heals themselves, they also heal the future." -YP

Reflecting back to high school, exercise has always played such a fundamental role in my mental wellness. I started road biking 2 years ago, when my friends and I decided it would be fun to complete the Gran Fondo in Whistler. Earlier this year, I had a lightbulb moment when I came across an Ironman story. It inspired me so much, that I began watching videos and reading stories from other triathletes. It seemed like a no-brainer to combine my passion/coping mechanism for sports with my new found advocacy for mental health awareness. Through a various chain of events, what initially started as a fun idea, has turned into something so significant to me.

I want to bring awareness to mental health and, normalize holding space for these important conversations. Being able to open up to others has left me feeling like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders, and I want this for everyone who has been, or is in the same situation. Reach out and have the tough conversations, because those are the ones that count.

Any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

More information about Canadian Mental Health Association, B.C. Division: Founded in 1918, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is a national charity that helps maintain and improve mental health for all Canadians. As the nation-wide leader and champion for mental health, CMHA promotes the mental health of all and supports the resilience and recovery of people experiencing mental illness. In BC, mental health, substance use and addictive behaviour are within the scope of the organization.