Although this run is in support of women, I dedicate my involvement to both my father, Randy Anthony Cardinal and my brother, Joshua Anthony Cardinal who both lost their battles with bipolar disorder.
Though their journeys through their respective diseases were different, my father was never diagnosed while my brother was in his early 20s, they still met the same end, numbing themselves with alcohol and drugs and accidentally overdosing on fentanyl. My father passed at 50 and my brother at 31.
What is most important to understand about mental illness is that it not only impacts the individual but also their family and friends. Supporting my father and my brother was extremely difficult and, many times, I felt powerless. I have previously shared my thoughts on the lack of support and manner in which mental health resources are provided to Canadians on my blog, For Goodness Saikali - Let's talk about how inadequate support for mental health led to my brother's untimely death.
Participating in this run is how I help to raise awareness and funds for mental health resources that can support others who are experiencing the same struggles and to hopefully lead to a different outcome than the one I am left to endure.
If you love someone with bipolar disorder, know you are not alone. I am sending you love and strength as you navigate the daily battles and I am always here if you need to talk and know that I run for you!