Building the Future: Our 2023 Journey
As we stand just a couple of weeks away from our 22-hour event, it’s incredible to reflect on the year we’ve had and everything we’ve achieved. Four of us came together, determined to establish our organization, with the 22-hour Veteran’s Day event at its core. While we weren’t entirely certain about all the details, we agreed to figure it out. We hired a firm to assist us in preparing the necessary paperwork, completed all our filings, and began our search for a suitable event venue.
In 2019, we found Belle Isle to be accommodating, though quite chilly with the November winds sweeping off the Detroit River. In 2022, we opted for a public walkway within a park system, but it proved less accommodating, presenting numerous safety and logistical challenges. The most significant hurdle I encountered was securing a location that would permit us to operate for a continuous 22 hours, as many places refused overnight access. Fortunately, Canton Township came to our rescue!
With that problem resolved and just enough time for planning, we faced another challenge. We couldn’t solicit donations without permission from the state. Eventually, we submitted the necessary paperwork, but time was running out. To our relief, the state processed the paperwork more swiftly than expected, and we finally had all the pieces in place to begin promoting the event.
Within 24 hours of listing the event on RunSignup.com, someone expressed interest in signing up for the entire 22 hours. That was the last thing I expected, even with ultramarathon runners hearing about it. Yay, I’ll have some company! (Also, yikes! I may get lapped for 22 hours straight by a real runner!) Since then, another individual has also signed up for the entire event. This could be a lot of fun!
Our commitment goes beyond the event itself; we’ve designed these challenge coins featured in this blog as part of our cause and theme. This charity focuses on reducing veteran suicide rates, and these coins are meant to be carried by those who need them. Whether they simply need to touch them, read the message for strength, or use the numbers on them, these coins are there to offer essential support. Every participant will receive one, and we’ll have them available at our event for those who require them. I also give them to veterans I encounter; there’s almost always one in my pocket in case I come across a veteran.
A few weeks ago, while training at Heritage Park, I encountered a Vietnam veteran proudly wearing his veteran’s hat. I thanked him for his service, informed him about the Veteran’s Day event I was preparing for, and gave him a coin. I told him what I typically say: “I’d like you to have this. If you don’t want or need it, please pass it on to someone who does.” He only glanced at it, smiled, and thanked me. On the next lap, he shared that he had attempted suicide twice. My heart sank. We chatted for a while about our pasts and shared stories, with him mainly recounting his experiences. I saw him again the next day, and we immediately recognized each other, with him calling out, “It’s my new friend!” I stopped to chat, and once again, he touched my heart by saying, “Yesterday I really needed that. Thank you!” We talked for a while once more.
I’m grateful for moments like these, where I find myself in the right place at the right time. I know I won’t hear most of the stories, but I hope these coins circulate and find their way into the hands of those who need them. That’s why we created them. I’m eagerly anticipating this event and hoping to have more experiences that remind me that we are making a difference, at least for one more person.