Three years ago, my dad died by suicide, and not a day goes by that I don’t think of him. The loss changed my life forever. My dad was a firefighter—one of the many brave men and women who run toward danger—but the heartbreaking truth is that firefighters are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty. No family should ever have to experience the pain that mine has, and that is why I’m participating in the With Hope 5K.

I miss my dad every single day, and supporting this cause is one way I honor him. The work that the With Hope Foundation does truly matters. Each year, they provide their Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention programs to more than 10,000 students, parents, teachers, staff, and community members. Their mission is to educate, equip, and empower people to recognize the warning signs of suicide and to connect those at risk with life-saving help.

They also offer critical grief support through the Friends With Hope Suicide Bereavement Support Group, as well as counseling resources and referrals for those coping with the traumatic loss of a loved one—people who are themselves at increased risk for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicide.

Thank you for visiting my team page and for supporting this cause. Your contribution can truly make a life-saving difference. Together, we can bring hope, raise awareness, and help prevent others from experiencing the kind of loss my family carries every day.