38 for 38: Kristen Bones Get Outside + Exercise: Buddy Check 2024

My name is Kristen Bones. When I was 12 years old, my Mom was killed by a drunk driver. She was 38 years old. July 1st is the anniversary date of her death. When this happened my whole world was gone. People weren't comfortable talking to me about what happened so I suffered in silence. I was just told to get on with my life so I decided to put up a front and look “normal” on the outside.  

As the years passed, I realized there wasn't much help for kids who were dealing with a tragedy such as what I had to endure. Additionally, Covid lockdowns brought out even more awareness about the youth suicide rate and the prevalence of mental health issues in young adults and kids. I realized that this age group needs more tools, awareness, and support so they don't suffer in silence and grow into adulthood still holding and carrying that suffering deep within.  

I decided that I needed to make a change and speak out about my mental health issues. As I talked more openly about my mental health, others reached out to me to talk about theirs. That is when I knew I had to do something to promote mental health and mental illness awareness. 

One of my passions is getting out and exploring, I love walking through the city, taking my dogs out and exploring hiking trails, and ravines. Running, kayaking, there are so many things we can do to get movement in our bodies, get those endorphins going, and when you get those going you can become quite happy. This year instead of running for 38 days I am going to switch it up, I hope you will all join me, I will run, walk, kayak, play volleyball etc. For 38 days for 38 minutes or more, starting on July 1st and try to raise $3838. 

I do this to honour my Mom and promote mental health awareness in the youth age group. 

But where would I donate the funds? I was hoping to find a small grassroots non-profit to support. Then a friend turned me on to Buddy Check for Jesse. The founder of this charity, Dr. Stu Gershman, has turned a personal tragedy into a positive initiative for youth. Please read about what they do at www.buddycheckforjesse.com. Having my own child in organized sports, and understanding the importance of coaches in his life, I knew that I found my landing spot and the charity I wanted to support. 

Please consider donating to my fundraiser to help me reach my $3838 fundraising goal.  

Hey, here is a challenge!  Consider setting up your own “38 for 38 for Buddy Check”. I know it would not only support me and my mom, but youth everywhere.