I'm walking 3000 steps a day to honor those who have lost their lives to a foodborne illness. In September/October of 2006, my son Chris developed a STEC infection which turned into Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) after drinking contaminated raw milk. He spent 56 days in the hospital. He is one of the lucky ones. He survived this horrific disease.

Each year, 3,000 lives are lost in the U.S. to foodborne illness. These deaths are preventable with educated consumers, stronger food safety practices, and real change in our food system.

I’m fundraising for STOP3000 to help prevent these 3,000 deaths; lives lost to something as simple as a meal.

Stop Foodborne Illness (STOP) is a national nonprofit that works to protect people through education, advocacy, and by supporting those impacted by unsafe food. Their work helps create a stronger food safety system and raises awareness so tragedies like these don’t keep happening.

My goal is to raise $1000 as part of STOP’s fifth annual STOP3000 campaign. Together, we’re aiming to raise $50,000 during September’s Food Safety Education Month.

Please donate if you can. Every gift helps STOP amplify silenced voices and keep others safe. Let’s make change, together!