A Letter from the Heart
By Sheila Belinsky | November 22, 2024
Thank you for the opportunity to tell you about Molly’s Angels RunGiving, which is a “Run for Mental Health” taking place Thanksgiving Week – November 25th through December 1st. There is a flyer in your program with more information.
As some of you know, this cause is deeply personal to me. Molly’s Angels is a tribute to my beloved daughter, Molly, who faced her own battles with depression and anxiety before her tragic passing from an accidental overdose at the age of 28.
Molly was a bright light in our lives. She had an infectious smile and a heart full of dreams. Like many young people today, she fought a relentless battle against her inner demons—anxiety that clouded her thoughts and depression that dulled her spirit. Despite her struggles, she was brave, seeking help and trying to navigate the complexities of her condition. Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding mental health often made it difficult for her to voice her pain and seek the support she needed.
Sadly, Molly's story is not unique. As I share her journey and the goal of Molly’s Angels with others, it seems everyone either has experienced depression themselves or knows someone who has been affected. I myself face depression and social anxiety. For me it is exhibited in different ways – some days it might be anger or impatience, sometimes it might be physical symptoms such as exhaustion or stomach pains. On the outside; however, many people don’t know I am struggling.
It’s essential to understand that mental illness is not a sign of weakness; it is a medical condition that deserves compassion, understanding, and treatment, just like any physical ailment.
Throughout my life I have faced many struggles, but losing Molly was unfathomable. Creating Molly’s Angels has been significant in helping me go forward. It has given me purpose and a community where I can be my authentic self.
Today I am inviting you to join us as we run or walk to fundraise for two remarkable organizations: Vista Hill and the Monarch School. I have found much peace and joy working with the wonderful people here at Vista Hill in our common goal of helping people suffering with mental illness and substance use disorder. They work tirelessly to offer resources that empower those struggling with mental health challenges, ensuring that they have the tools necessary for recovery and growth. I thank them all from the bottom of my heart.
The Monarch School serves children impacted by homelessness, providing them with a safe and nurturing environment to learn and thrive. They not only focus on education but also on the emotional well-being of their students, recognizing that mental health is fundamental to academic success and personal development. I am proud to support their mental health department and give the kiddos who are unhoused better tools to handle the stress of their challenging lives.
Molly was a wonderful daughter and I would give anything to have her here with us today, living a clean life and helping others, but I am dedicated to keeping her memory and spirit alive and helping those she couldn’t. After Molly died, I tried to think of a way to honor her. Helping underserved youth and young adults was something Molly dreamed of doing. When I made the decision to start a foundation in her honor and name it Molly’s Angels, my heart came alive. I’m passionate about this and know I can help others suffering from loss to join me and make a difference in their own lives and in the lives of others.
By participating in “RunGiving,” over Thanksgiving week, you would not only be honoring Molly’s memory, but standing up against stigma, advocating for mental health awareness, and incorporating the importance of physical activity for our mental health. In addition to Molly’s Angels sponsoring today’s event, RunGiving’s donations will be matched up to $50,000 by Molly’s Angels.
Together, we can make a difference, one mile at a time.
Thank you,
Sheila