Hello and welcome to 2025!! I am starting this year with a lifestyle post about my love of charity walks. As a person who struggles with more than one chronic illness, I find it invigorating and important to exercise by walking on a regular basis. I can think of no better way to apply my love of walking than by raising funds for worthy organizations. I first began participating in charity walks when I was quite young, around 10 years of age. Over the years, the mileage that I can achieve has changed based on my health, but my determination to make a positive difference in the lives of others has not wavered. In 2024, I participated in four charity walks. I completed two 5K distances, one 2-mile distance, and one 10K distance, all of which I trained for carefully. The walks supported the organizations: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Open Sky Community Services, The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), and The Jimmy Fund.
Fast-Forward to 2025, and I am taking on a new walking challenge! I have registered for the American Cancer Society 31-miles in January Challenge, committing to walk at least 1 mile per day. This cause is very close to my heart, as two of my grandparents struggled with cancer, and one of my close friends is currently fighting. Unfortunately, cancer seems to affect the lives of everyone, whether you know someone or battle with it yourself. The fundraiser is on Facebook, and I include the link here:
https://www.facebook.com/donate/1351351116309350/
I appreciate your support!!
In addition, this challenge also comes at a tough time for me physically, as I have been in a flare of my chronic illness. Walking daily is currently more difficult than usual. However, I am determined to overcome my own health struggles, and aid others as well. Comment below any ways that you use movement to make a difference. What does it mean to you?
Let’s Go, New Year, Goal Set!!!!
My photo of my first 2025 walk:
The Ladybug 