1129 Boissevain Ave, Norfolk VA
Saturday, April 12th, 2025
Hello, Iโm Emily Sheetz, a second-year medical student at Eastern Virginia Medical School and the organizer of the Donโt Struggle In Silence 5K. This event is dedicated to raising awareness for mental health and suicide prevention.
My passion for this cause comes from a deeply personal place. In April 2012, I lost my sister, Courtney, to suicide. She struggled with self-harm and eating disorders for many years, and despite my familyโs efforts to support her, we couldnโt find a way to help. For a long time after her death, I struggled to talk about her, as the stigma surrounding mental health prevented me from sharing the impact it had on my family. However, I now share my story without the fear of being judged or looked down upon. Losing my sister to suicide is a part of me, and it should not be accompanied by shame or guilt. I want to use my voice and experience to show others that it is okay to speak out and ask for help. No one should (or deserves to) struggle in silence.
This event is more than just a fundraiser: itโs an opportunity to bring our Norfolk community together and show that we are not alone in our struggles. Mental health issues can affect anyone, and by participating, we can help break the silence.
Letโs come together for a meaningful cause and support one another. Your presence can make a difference.
For more details and to register, please visit: Don't Struggle In Silence 5K.
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