Still I Run

If funding were limitless, I would bring to life a vision that’s been living in my heart for years: the creation of the Still I Run Foundation, a bold expansion of our mission that honors the truth that movement is medicine and mental health care should be accessible to all.While running has always been at the core of our organization, I recognize that not everyone finds healing in the same type of movement. Through the Foundation, we would branch out into programs like Still I Walk and Still I Bike, offering people across the country the opportunity to engage in movement that works for them physically, emotionally, and logistically.This expansion would break down barriers to movement in all forms. Whether someone needs adaptive equipment, a safe place to move, mentorship, gear, or simply encouragement, we’d be there. We’d meet people where they are and empower them to move their way toward better mental health.But the dream doesn’t stop at movement. One of the biggest and most heartbreaking barriers people face is the cost of professional mental health care. Therapy, doctor visits, medications, and co-pays can be out of reach for so many. The Still I Run Foundation would include a Mental Health Access Fund to help offset those costs, ensuring that no one has to choose between their mental wellness and paying the bills.This vision is about holistic care and combining movement, connection, and professional mental health support in a way that’s accessible, affirming, and community-driven. We’d scale our programs nationwide, hire staff who reflect the communities we serve, and build sustainable, local hubs where people can gather, move, and heal together.Ultimately, this dream is about creating a culture where mental health is prioritized, where movement is accessible, and where no one feels alone in their struggle. It’s about building a future where mental health care isn’t a luxury, it’s a human right.That’s the impact I want Still I Run to have. And with unlimited funding, we’d make that future a reality.

On Grand Rapids Giving Day 2025, Still I Run aims to raise $10,000 to support our Starting Line Scholarship Program, a 10 to 12 week mental health running initiative that provides free running gear, race entry, training plans, and mental health resources to individuals ready to take the first step toward wellness.These funds will help us expand the program to serve 50 new participants in 2026. Specifically, the funding will cover the cost of running shoes, coaching support, printed workbooks, and community-building events like graduation races and mental health discussions.This investment in our programming will have a direct and lasting impact: Participants report improved self-esteem, reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, and a renewed sense of hope. Long-term, these funds will strengthen our ability to grow our reach in West Michigan, deepen community partnerships, and build a scalable model we can bring to more cities across the U.S.By supporting Still I Run, donors will help make mental health care more accessible!

"The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away." – Pablo Picasso