Help Caroline raise money

Hi Everyone, I am running the Falmouth Road Race this August for the Herren Project. A few months ago my family and I unexpectedly lost my dad. 

My dad was one of the funniest people I have ever known, he made friends everywhere he went, and had one of the most charismatic personalities we are all so blessed to have known. 

Unfortunately, my dad struggled with addiction, and growing up this was something that was very hard for me to understand. His alcoholism affected a lot of years of memories, and moments that I wish I could have experienced with him. 

When I was a kid my dad was my best friend, the person I went to for everything. Every single weekend he had an itinerary of fun things planned for us, and never fell short of meeting my unreasonably high expectations (he took me to all four boston sports games in one day, i think mainly cause he didn't think it was possible and wanted to prove a point). My childhood was filled with Hannah Montana concerts, Boston sports, board games, baking competitions, and the best cook I've ever known, but as time passed addiction and his personal hardships affected his ability to be present.

Instead of remembering what the disease did to my dad, I remember him for the qualities he had underneath it all: his thoughtfulness, his generous heart, and his gigantic personality. I know this phrase may be a little overused, but he truly was one of a kind. 

I decided to run for the Herren Project as this is a foundation that supports individuals struggling with addiction, as well as offering support to families. The Herren Project offers treatment, support and resources to both the individuals struggling and families affected.

There’s so much I wish I could have done with my dad, there are so many more years of memories I intended to make with him, and above anything I never truly lost hope.

I see my dad in so many things: my grandma’s ability to make you feel at home the second you enter her house, my grandpa’s ability to make conversation with everyone and anyone, my aunt’s unwavering love, my cousins sense of adventure, and my sense of humor, which I try to maintain even in the days I don’t feel strong enough to go on without him. 
I believe God has given me a lot of strength to navigate hardships I’ve encountered in my life, and the biggest one of all has been seeing a disease consume someone you love so much. Anything I can do to raise awareness, and support individuals struggling with hardships my dad has faced is something I would like to continue to do, and the Herren Project seemed like a way to start.

Alcoholism affects the lives of so many people, it's not always the image you have in your head of what addiction may appear to be, but it's real fathers, and sons of so many. 
I love you dad. It's almost impossible to articulate the insurmountable pain and sadness we feel everyday, and how much we miss you. I pray everyday you are at peace and no longer suffering. It still doesn't make sense or feel real that you aren't here. I hope Heaven is filled with really big fish (and maybe up there God can give you a bigger attention span so you can actually catch one <3)

If you are able to donate, it goes to a great cause! Thank you!