This story is my moms story but also my own. My mom had an undiagnosed mental health illness. She had a pretty challenging life. She was a single mom and did her best to provide for me. At age 30 she suffered a brain aneurysm and as a result would suffer from seizures for the rest of her life. Although life dealt her many challenges, she was extremely resilient and hard working.

In 2001, my mom and I trained to bike the Cabot trail. We trained for 3 months in Ottawa and in July we conquered the trail together. After that trip my moms mental health deteriorated. She became more recluse, struggled more and withdrew from family and friends. In 2014, we lost her to suicide. During one of her hospital stays she shared with me that the best year of her life was the year we biked the Cabot trail together. This speaks to the power of exercise on mental health, along with having a goal, achieving that goal and connection with others through activity.

Although it’s been a tough journey, I’m grateful for being able to have shared the best year of her life!