Hello family, friends and colleagues (whom I also consider amazing friends!).
It’s been a moment. For those who know me well, the last year has been a lot for me. Lots of change, a new home in Hintonburg, and some general stress & anxiety folded in for good measure. I’m doing OK, though – managing to navigate life’s challenges, while staying more or less intact. With a lot of help from people like you.
And I’m VERY fortunate to be able to say that …
I have a home, and a stable job with a good company. I have my health, including the privilege of being able to run long distances (despite my age!). And while Bonnie and I have (very amicably) separated, we still love each other and are there for each other when it matters. Reid continues to grow into an amazing human being – intelligent, capable, and caring. And Karra – well, she keeps us all honest and is always around when we need a bit of a lift.
So – all in all, things are going OK.
That said, I need your help.
We live in times that are fraught. Geopolitical instability at every turn. Inflation across the board. Disruption in the workplace. Tragically underfunded public services to help those in need. Uncertainty at every turn.
It’s a lot to bear. And for many, it’s frankly too much.
And: imagine that in addition to all of this, you also suffer from an underlying mental health challenge … anxiety, trauma, bipolar disorder … and perhaps a concurrent disorder (where a mental health challenge co-exists with substance abuse).
Where can one turn?
One place is the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health. This Ottawa-based organization is here to help: by providing necessary clinical services to those in our community who need them; by conducting leading-edge research into the functioning of the brain; and by advocating publicly for those who need assistance but do not have a voice.
The Royal needs your help to continue to deliver these absolutely critical services. And I’m going to do something about it. On Sunday, May 26th, I will run the Tartan Ottawa International Marathon (that’s 42.2km of running, folks!) to raise both awareness and funding for the good that the Royal does in our community.
I would GREATLY appreciate it if you would consider sponsoring my marathon with a kind donation to the Royal. Together we can help this worthwhile organization help people in our community who need it most.
To sponsor my marathon and donate, click here. Your donation is tax-deductible (a receipt will be emailed to you).
Any support you can provide to this most worthy organization will be gratefully appreciated by me, the Royal, and those served by the Royal. Thank you so very, very much for your time and consideration.
–Tracy
tracyraces 