Since the beginning of this year Rachel’s Runners have been supporting the wonderful organistation beyondblue. This weekend we held a bake sale as one of our big fundraising events.
Our team worked so well organising this special day, which we held out the front of our local supermarket. Many of us cooked up a storm and spent much of our spare time making sure that everything was just right. We had cakes, cookies, slices, rocky road, fudge and even giant freckles! We had some great prizes donated for a raffle including an awesome waterproof iPod pack valued at $240, from the wonderful people at Swimpod Australia.
In total we made just over $1500! So amazing! I am so totally blown away by the generosity of everyone – not only all of the Rachel’s Runners who helped out in many ways, but also by the overwhelming support of the community. So many people spent all of their hard earned money to support this cause by buying our cakes and raffle tickets. But my favourite part of the day was hearing the stories from total strangers about their own struggles with anxiety and depression – all ages of people and those from all walks of life. These two terrible illnesses affect so many more people than you could ever imagine and I am so glad we got the chance to start the conversation with some of them.
There are currently 3 million Australians living with anxiety or depression. These are big issues that are often not talked about. These are two illnesses that often go hand in hand and can be totally debilitating to those whom suffer. As someone who has suffered with anxiety and depression, I can tell you it is suffocating. There are times I can remember when I felt like I was in a deep, dark hole with no light above me. Other times when the panic was so strong that I felt like my heart would burst out of my chest, or my lungs were so tight I could not breathe. Still other times when I felt I might be sick, or even have my legs go from under me. It can be very scary, it is very scary and it can be very isolating. People do not know how to act around you or what to say and so sufferers can often go along without much if any support.
While we were out running today and saying hello to all those people we pass along our way (as we always do), one of my friends said something that really made me think about what a difference just a few words can make to another person. She said “I always like to say hello to everyone I pass as it might be the only person that talks to them all day.” And really, that may be all it takes to change a person’s day – one or two words to show a stranger that they are worthy. Someone who may not have anyone else telling or showing them that they are. Next time you are walking (or running) down the street, don’t be afraid to be the one that makes a difference.
beyondblue is an organisation that is “…working to reduce the impact of anxiety, depression and suicide in the community by raising awareness and understanding, empowering people to seek help, and supporting recovery, management and resilience.” (beyondblie Online 2014) If you would like to help support our fundraisinig efforts for this undoubtedly fantastic organistaion. please follow the link on the side bar of this blog underneath ‘Fundraise with us’. Thanks xx