I Ran. You Can Too.

For years, I lived in survival mode — hiding pain behind smiles while raising three children. When I finally escaped, I didn’t know who I was anymore.

That’s when I turned to running.

At first, it wasn’t for fitness — it was for freedom.

Every run became a release. Every step on the pavement helped me leave a piece of my painful past behind.

My first goal after escaping was to sign up for the half marathon at the Niagara International Marathon. It had been six years since I last raced — but I needed something that reminded me I was in control again. That race became more than a finish line. It became my therapy. A light in the dark. A powerful symbol that I was moving forward — step by step.

But healing isn’t linear.

After the high of that race, I faced emotional battles I hadn’t prepared for. In 2024, I couldn’t compete. I felt like everything was slipping.

That’s when I found LEAF — Learning Effective Anti-Violence in Families — through Good Shepherd. And for the first time, I didn’t just run.

I was heard. I was seen.

I was surrounded by others who understood.

Now, I’m running not just for me, but for every survivor still stuck in silence.

💜 Support My Fundraiser for LEAF

As I prepare for my final race in this campaign — the Niagara International Marathon 10K in 2025 — I’m running with purpose, and raising funds for the LEAF program that helped save me.

✨ $5 for Freedom (My Pledge)

For every 5K I complete, I’m personally donating $5 to LEAF.

So far, I’ve run ten 5Ks and raised $50.

✨ Donate & Dedicate a 5K

Want me to run in honour of someone — or even yourself?

Donate $5, leave a name, and I’ll dedicate one of my runs with a personal shoutout.

✨ Guess My Runs

How many 5Ks do you think I’ll complete before race day?

Guess and pledge $5 per run.

(Example: guess ten 5Ks = a $50 donation.)

Hint: I estimate I’ll raise around $250 by the end!

✨ Sponsor a Survivor – Business & Brand Support

Are you a business that wants to show public support for women and children fleeing violence?

With a donation of $150, I’ll add your company logo to my race shirt at the Niagara International Marathon 10K — a visible sign that your brand stands for change, healing, and hope.

Let your community know that you stand with survivors — and help fund the programs that help them reclaim their lives.

✨ Join the Movement

Run, walk, hike, or roll your own 5K in solidarity.

Post a photo with #IRunWithJackie to show survivors they’re not alone.

This campaign ends with the Niagara International Marathon 10K — the race that reminded me I was strong enough to move forward.

Let’s help others take their first step.

Let’s run with purpose.

Let’s raise voices that have been silenced.

Let’s move forward — together.

Because I ran from abuse — and you can too.

Every step matters. Every dollar helps. Every story counts.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

– Jackie