My Story…
My $10,000 Double Marathon Challenge: Run for Asian Mental Health
Hello friends, family, colleagues, and compassionate strangers!
I'm taking on a challenge that's a little bit crazy and entirely necessary: running two full marathons in two weeks—the Chicago Marathon, immediately followed by the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon on October 19.
Am I bonkers? Maybe a little! I know I'll be hobbling, but hell or high water, I will cross that finish line—because the stakes are too high for me not to. Last year, I ran the Chicago Marathon and then the Toronto Half-Marathon a week later with shin splints in both legs. This year, I'm raising the ante (and the pain threshold) to a full marathon because the need is that urgent.
Here's My Why
As the Executive Director of Hong Fook Mental Health Association, I want to lead by example and show my commitment to our mission. But my dedication is also deeply personal.
My family, like many in the Asian community, has direct lived experience with mental illness. When a family member was diagnosed with schizophrenia, we struggled to find culturally safe care. We didn't have access to care in Korean or with someone who understood the unique challenges and taboos we faced. I believe that our lives would have been profoundly different had we
Why Hong Fook Matters Now More Than Ever
Hong Fook provides essential mental health services in five different East and Southeast Asian languages, creating a space where clients and their families feel heard, understood, and safe. From youth to seniors, we journey with more than 10,000 individuals and families by offering supportive housing, therapy, recovery programs, community education and case management.
Right now, our services are needed more than ever. For too long, the Asian community has been viewed as quiet and problem-free. Or if we have a problem that something must be wrong with us. This myth has tragically silenced those who are struggling with mental illness.
Join My $10,000 Mission
My goal is to raise $10,000 to ensure Hong Fook can continue to offer these life-changing—and often life-saving—services.
Every kilometer run and every dollar raised will directly support a family like mine that deserves care that speaks their language and understands how bring care to them and their families.
To help kick things off, I am pledging to match up to $1,000 in contributions!
Please, support my wild double-marathon challenge and help Hong Fook deliver culturally safe, essential care to our Asian communities.
Your donation is an investment in a future where no one is left to struggle alone.
Thank you for running this journey with me!
Donate to help Andrew raise money for 2025 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon’s fundraising campaign.
Recent donors
Donation date | Donor name | Donation amount |
---|---|---|
Oct 07 | Calem | $100.00 |
Oct 06 | Davog McGlinchey | $84.39 |
Oct 06 | Ross Shnaper | $108.31 |
Oct 06 | Anonymous | Undisclosed amount |
Oct 06 | Andrew J | Undisclosed amount |
Oct 06 | Nick C | $108.31 |
Oct 06 | Alana | $108.31 |
Oct 06 | 黄先生 | $269.32 |
Oct 06 | Anonymous | $108.31 |
Oct 06 | Anonymous | $500.00 |