Help Nancy raise money

*Update✨: 4 hrs after sharing and you guys helped smash my $200 fundraising goal, like YOU did that—I am so grateful! We are still 6 weeks out from the half and because mental health matters, I am increasing the fundraising goal! Thank you all, it means so much to me 🩷🩷**

Hiiii Friends,

I am soo excited to share that I have officially registered for my first half marathon! For those of you who know, this milestone has been a long time coming. About three years ago, after embracing a consistent running routine, I set my sights on this goal. However, a car accident resulted in a right knee injury, requiring recovery & physiotherapy. A year later, in my eagerness to resume training, I increased my mileage too quickly and suffered from persistent shin splints. Now, we are finally here and ready to rumble!! 

Reflecting on my journey, running has been more than just a physical activity; it has been a sanctuary for my mental well-being. As a child, I thrived in sprinting and actively participated in track and field events. During the uncertain times of the COVID-19 pandemic, running became my refuge—a way to clear my mind amidst the chaos. Balancing work in healthcare, where remote work wasn’t an option, alongside significant life changes, took a toll on my mental health. I grappled with stress, anxiety, and the immense responsibility of keeping my family safe. Running provided a necessary escape, allowing me to step outdoors and momentarily think about absolutely nothing. While not a standalone cure, running, significantly alleviated my stress and anxiety.

The mental health landscape in Canada is concerning. Recent reports indicate that Canadians rate their mental health as “poor” or “fair” three times more often than before the pandemic—26% in 2021 compared to 8.9% in 2019.  Additionally, in any given year, 1 in 5 Canadians experiences a mental illness, and by the age of 40, 1 in 2 have—or have had—a mental illness.  Alarmingly, over half of those struggling aren’t receiving the help they need. 

Physical activity, such as running, has been shown to have a profound positive impact on mental health. Regular exercise can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve memory, and enhance overall mood.  Moreover, running has been linked to improved working memory, focus, and better task-switching abilities. 

In light of these insights and my personal experience, I am dedicating my first half marathon to support the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). My goals are to just complete the race—the journey matters more than the time hehe—and to raise $200 or more for the CMHA.

With that said, I’m asking for your help and for you to join me in this endeavour. Your support, whether through cheering me on or contributing to the fundraiser, means the world to me. Together, we can make a difference in promoting mental health awareness and support. Wish me sooo much luck —love y’all!! 🩷🩷