12/11/2025
In 2025, the Miles for Mike community was shared in ways I never could have imagined.
In person.
Podcasts.
TV appearances.
Radio interviews.
Newspaper articles.
Magazine stories.
And of course, thanks to all of you, on so many amazing adventures. Worldwide, Miles for Mike was represented this year in Canada; Lugano, Switzerland; Hong Kong, China; London, England; Morocco, Africa; New Zealand; Sydney, Australia; and Tokyo, Japan. Lori Perez represented Mike at the London and Tokyo marathons and Charles Davis at the Sydney Marathon. Across the United States, it was amazing to see Matt Greiner and the 22 Peaks Project represent Mike on some amazing New Mexico hikes. Jamie Jones showed up at Pre’s Rock and Pre’s Trail in Oregon with bracelets for some meaningful miles, and Alesha Walker posted pictures of bracelets at the Field of Dreams in Dyersville, Iowa. Julie Dagle continues to be so supportive with her weekly 5K runs. And this year included her trip to Mt. M’Goun in Morocco, Africa, and her completion of the Taji 100-mile campaign. Her Taji 100 medal now hangs over Mike’s Navy picture in my office.
For me, the 2025 running year can be summed up in three words: Marine Corps Marathon. When Stop Soldier Su***de decided to create a team for the 50th annual MMC, I had no idea what all was ahead. I knew I was going to run a bunch of miles for Mike — including the October race. What I never could have seen coming were the opportunities to share Mike’s story and the Stop Soldier Su***de mission. From TV, radio, podcast, newspaper and magazine interviews, I was able to share Mike’s story in such big ways. I was no longer the quietest person in the room, that’s for sure. I even had an opportunity to speak in person at Dalton State College during National Su***de Prevention Month. It was amazing to connect with the entire Stop Soldier Su***de running team ahead of the marathon and was an amazing highlight to meet Miles for Mike supporters Val and Candice. I’m beyond thankful to my family for guiding me to the finish line during that really special day in Washington, D.C. Along the way our team raised $70,000 in support of our life-saving mission. As sincerely as I can say it, thank you to all those who supported my fundraising efforts (nearly $7,000 raised) this year. It’s by far the most I’ve ever raised. Your support and encouragement were with me always.
Most everything about Miles for Mike has no finish line. This year included a very emotional one. Mike was with me every day through months of training, all my interviews and absolutely the 26.2 miles standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our military community. I was just going to wear his old Cincinnati Reds hat at the finish. I ended up wearing it for every mile. Thank you all for another amazing year. I say we keep going.
8158 Podcast
WABE News
Marine Corps Marathon
Stop Soldier Su***de
Military Families Magazine
