A Walk to Honor an Honor to Walk in Anoka Saturday Oct. 5th

Minnesota's Veterans Suicide prevention & Awareness Day is observed on October 5th this year. It's a day dedicated to raising awareness around the mental health challenges that veterans face and an opportunity to show support and the importance of community involvement, mental health support, and moving away from the stigma around seeking help.

This Saturday in Anoka, join A Walk to Honor an Honor to Walk - The Nicole Burnham Veteran Suicide Awareness 5K Walk. This is being held at Haven 4 Heroes - Cottage 4. 

I recently had the chance to learn more about this great event and the meaning and love behind it all. Nicole Burnham was a graduate of Anoka High School and was an Army Private for three years until her death by suicide in 2018. She took her own life at the young age of 21 and through the devastating loss of Nicole, her mom Stacey Burnham was determined to make sure that her daughter would never be forgotten. With the help of her friend Missy Merscham, Stacey has been able to find a way to honor Nicole in a way that not only keeps her memory alive, but also helps many others in our community. 

They created a special Kindness Rock Garden in Veterans Memorial Park in Anoka and the MN Kindness Alliance Non-profit. MIssy and Stacey started both of these to continue to spread kindness and love on behalf of Nicole. The Rock Garden has become a place of peace and hope for many others in our community. A special area to go and see the painted rocks with inspiring messages of hope and love. You can take one with you as a reminder that there is kindness out there or you can leave a painted rock with a message of your own for others. It's a place for people to connect with others and show support within our community.

The Nicole Burnham Veteran Suicide Awareness 5k will be held this Saturday, Oct. 5th starting at 9am. Before the walk, take some time to check out the Rock Garden and see the Tree of Valor display inside the cottage. Here you will find 20 Christmas trees, each decorated with a special theme to honor a service person of any kind, including a firefighter, police officer, or soldier. Anyone is welcome to view the Tree of Valor display throughout the entire weekend free of charge. 

There will also be great food and a ton of raffle giveaways from local businesses who have so graciously donated! MANY Gift cards, baskets of goodies such as a Spa Basket, Family Game basket, coach purse and wristlet, and MORE!! Come dressed up because the best dressed team and best dressed dog wins a prize!  That's right, this event is leashed pet friendly. 

Walk Entry fee is $20 for pre-registration and $25 for same day. Children 12 & Under are Free.

Please follow MN Kindness Alliance Facebook page for more info or email them at MnKindnessalliance@gmail.com