I am excited to be running the 2022 United Airlines NYC Half on behalf of Good Grief in memory of my husband, Jason Franco. Good Grief builds resilience in children, strengthens families, and empowers communities to grow from loss and adversity. They stand on the front lines supporting grieving children and families wherever they are, whenever they need it the support, for as long as they need it. One in seven kids will experience the death of a parent or sibling before the age of 25, equating too over 280,000 kids in NJ. Without the right support, this traumatic experience can result in long term mental and physical health problems such as anxiety and depression. The need for Good Grief's free programs continues to grow. I am committed to positively impacting the lives of children. Join me in changing the future for grieving kids.

After the first year of the loss of a loved one many people wonder now what? The "quiet" has set in.  It's time to find yourself, figure out what is next, and what is best for you and your family. I found myself wondering this and got an email from Good Grief asking if I was interested in running the NYC half marathon in hopes to raise money for their organization.  This comes right after posting my 1-year tribute to my husband and adding a picture of us after I finished running the same race 7 years ago. I figured it was a sign to do my what's next. Running has been the one constant in my life.  It has been my best friend and my worst enemy. Anytime I was really cranky, Jay would tell me to go for a run. I would always come back feeling much better. Over the past year I found myself running all of my emotions out. Dedicating my miles to whoever and whatever I was thinking about. Leaving all of it on the road so I can come back and be a better person at home.  Jay was always my biggest supporter.  Whether it was coming to my races, buying me canned oxygen, making my bib display board, buying running merch or buying headbands, he always stayed by my side.  

I am running in partner with Good Grief. An organization that provides support groups for all ages. We started this group a few weeks after we lost Jay. In nursing school, we preach support groups to all of our patients so I figured I might as well practice what I preach. I was desperate to find anything that would make me feel even just a little bit better.  Not only did I feel better but my children felt a little better as well. It was a place where we were all the same. It was a place that normalized speaking about Jay without weird tensions and awkward statements.  It's a place we go where we can learn healthy coping mechanisms. Where we find out that we are normal for feeling or doing certain things. It's a place where we are not judged.  This is a not for profit organization so in order to keep this program up and running they depend on donations.  The donations help to maintain the buildings we meet in and provide items for the children to make crafts. It provides a no-cost week-long summer camp for the children.  It also assists and provides education for the public and schools.  This is just the absolute minimum as they provide so much more. 

Please help me reach my fundraising goal of $1500 in memory of my amazing husband, Jason Franco, and support Good Grief. 

Thank you!! ❤️💙