Across the Years for Moms Stop the Harm

*Update* Due to numerous flight cancellations and complications, and despite multiple attempts, we were unable to make it to AZ for the race. While my record attempt will have to wait for the next race, I have immense gratitude for the funds raised for Moms Stop The Harm, the discussions I was able to be a part of, and the support and positive feedback I received. Please keep talking about substance use disorders and opioid misuse. Thank you so much for being a part of this! I will close the fundraiser on January 4th as planned and the donations will be put to use by Moms Stop The Harm. ❤️❤️**

 On December 28, 2021, I will begin a 6 day attempt to break the Canadian women's 6 day ultra-running record at the Across the Years event in Arizona (https://www.aravaiparunning.com/across-the-years/). The fact that I am alive today to run at all is miraculous to me, as for many years I was lost to substance use disorder and mental health issues. Almost 8 years ago I finally attained sobriety after a long struggle. Since that time, I've lost many loved ones to this pervasive epidemic. The opioid crisis in Canada, and particularly in BC and Alberta, is ongoing and in dire need of support, awareness, and advocacy.

 

I can think of no better way to give thanks for this sober life I lead now than to attempt to raise some funds for Moms Stop the Harm (https://www.momsstoptheharm.com/), an incredible group of people working to pave a better future for those struggling with substance use disorders and their families.

 

In the first 6 months of 2021, close to 800 people died in Alberta from opioid related deaths. 2020 was a  also an incredibly tragic year for Alberta, with over 1300 lives lost due to opioid related deaths alone. My goal to raise $1600 for MSTH is to represent some of the lives lost in 2021, and no donation is insignificant or too small.

 

MSTH Moms Stop the Harm (MSTH) is a network of Canadian mothers and families whose loved ones have died due to substance misuse. Their network calls for an end to the failed war on drugs through evidence-based prevention, treatment and policy change. They also provide peer support to grieving families, and assist those with loved ones who use or have used substances. They support an approach that is both compassionate and non-discriminatory for people who use substances.  

 

Please consider supporting in any way, by donation, by sharing this fundraiser, by reaching out with questions or by extending just a little more compassion to those struggling today.

 

There will be a live link during the race to follow my progress that will be updated closer to race day. Whatever the end result, I will run with all my heart, and with endless gratitude for the life I am so lucky to lead now. I hope to honour the ones we have lost with every mile.

This fundraiser has been approved by MSTH, and all funds raised will go directly to MSTH and their misson.