Meet Courtney

Before there was a race, there was Courtney.

Courtney was Emily’s older sister. She was deeply loved by her family and those around her, and for years, Courtney struggled with her mental health, including self-harm and eating disorders. Her family loved her deeply and did everything they could to support her, but despite their efforts, Courtney continued to struggle.

In 2012, Emily lost her older sister to suicide.

For a long time afterward, Emily and her family struggled to talk about what had happened. Mental health wasn't something that was openly discussed, and the stigma surrounding suicide made an already unimaginable loss even harder to share.

But over time, something began to change.

Emily started talking about Courtney. She began sharing what her family had experienced. Losing her sister would always be part of her story, but it was no longer a part she wanted to carry with shame, guilt, or silence

And the more Emily found the courage to use her voice, the more she realized just how many other people had stories of their own.

Emily’s Why

As the twelfth anniversary of Courtney's passing approached — Emily knew she wanted to do something.

She wanted to honor Courtney and keep her memory alive, but she also wanted to take some of the pain that she and her family had carried and turn it into something that could help others.

Because the reality is, we don't always know when someone around us is struggling.

So much can be carried quietly. People we love can be hurting without knowing how to ask for help, what to say, or whether anyone will understand. And when mental health is something we're afraid to talk about, those struggles can remain hidden until it's too late.

Emily wanted to help change that.

While attending Eastern Virginia Medical School, she began turning that idea into something tangible: a 5K run walk that would honor Courtney while bringing people together to talk openly about mental health, and remind people that asking for help is never something to be ashamed of.

The idea became Don't Struggle In Silence.

More Than a 5K

What started as a race in memory of Emily's older sister has grown into something much bigger.

Since 2024, thousands of runners, walkers, families, friends, volunteers, and supporters have come together — some in memory of someone they've lost, some in support of someone they love, some because of their own mental health journey, and some simply because they believe this conversation matters.

For one morning, we run and walk together.

We celebrate the people who are here. We remember the people who aren't. We raise funds and awareness for mental health in our community. And, maybe most importantly, we create a space where talking about mental health isn't something that has to feel uncomfortable or hidden.

Because sometimes making a difference starts with something incredibly simple — a conversation.

Checking in on a friend.

Telling someone you're struggling.

Asking for help.

Or letting someone know you're there if they need someone to listen.

What began with Courtney's story has become a day for all of our stories. A day to celebrate one another, support one another, and remind the people in our lives that whatever they may be carrying, they don't have to carry it silently.

Emily continues to share Courtney's story and use her voice in the hope that it makes it a little easier for someone else to use theirs.

Because mental health matters, and sometimes one conversation can make all the difference.

It's okay to struggle — it's not okay to struggle in silence.