KC and I are participating in Outrun the Stigma (OTS) Calgary in memory of Jessica Izquierdo (https://www.mhfh.com/izquierdo-jessica-lorraine/) and in support of Distress Centre Calgary (DCC). 

As someone who has never been directly impacted by mental health illness, I am like many who misunderstand or are naive to how far reaching these illnesses are. I would have never believed that someone as accomplished as Jessica could be facing an ultimately insurmountable battle. However, this is very real and life changing for those impacted - in any given year, 1 in 5 people in Canada will personally experience a mental health problem or illness, and it is estimated that 10-20% of Canadian youth are affected by a mental illness or disorder - the single most disabling group of disorders worldwide.

OTS is an annual 5k walk/10k run that aims to reduce mental health stigma. DCC provides 24/7 crisis support, professional counselling and 211 referrals, all at no cost. Thank you for supporting me!