Wellness Warriors
October 01, 2024
Meet the Wellness Warriors
This year’s FIFTY2 End Stigma campaign ambassadors have already begun their efforts to raise awareness and end stigma and will continue throughout the month of October. And on Saturday, October 19th, they take on a very special challenge.Led by Arlington Professional Fire Fighters Battalion Chief Chris Rinck and Family Services CEO Leah Feldman, our Wellness Warriors will run the entire 52-mile distance in a single day.
Run with them, join in for part of the route, or offer your support along the way! And make sure to look for them in your communities, on our social media pages, and in our email blasts!
Leah Feldman
Chief Executive Officer, Family Services
"I stand alongside the brave individuals who, with strength and resilience, navigate their own '52 miles' in life. This run is a testament to the courage and potential of every individual, child, and family that seeks our support. Every step we take and every mile we achieve reminds us that together we can do hard things in life. We got this!"
Chris Rinck
Battalion Chief, Arlington Professional Fire Fighters
"As a first responder, father, and husband, living a healthy and balanced lifestyle is crucial to showing up as my best self. This includes maintaining good physical and mental health. My "WHY" is my family, my fellow firefighters, and the community we serve. This 52-mile run will test my physical and mental strength and will send a strong community message: when we run together, we have the ability to go farther. I choose to run to help shine a light on mental health and to play my part in helping to end the stigma. We are in this together."
Help Chris meet his fundraising goal!
Jesse C. Sarubbi
Chief Program Officer, Family Services
"Maintaining wellness is deeply important to me, and so too is ensuring everyone has access to care and opportunity to achieve greater health, without shame or stigma. I will run 52 miles with a team of Wellness Warriors, to raise awareness about mental health, to decrease its stigma and to encourage people to reach out for help when they or someone they care about is experiencing mental health challenges. This run is a first step in ending stigma and building a healthier and more compassionate community. But when we all run as a team, we can achieve incredible goals!"
Susan Baxter
Director, Ulster Prevention Council
"Running 52 miles isn't just a physical challenge, it's a powerful statement about the importance of mental health. I've seen first-hand how mental health can affect individuals and families, and we need to do more to support those who are struggling. By running this distance, I will raise awareness about the importance of mental health and help break the stigma that surrounds it. This challenge represents more than miles; it's about endurance, resilience, and pushing through barriers similar to what people face when dealing with mental health struggles"
Help Susan meet her fundraising goal!
