15 years ago, my family lost a close friend. Erika Neuckranz lost her life to adolescent depression at just 14 years old. Erika was like a 3rd sister to me, similar in age to my two older sisters. She was our next door neighbor in Chicago, and one of the brightest spirits I can remember. […]
It’s been an incredible 15 years and we want to share with you Peggy Kubert’s, Director of Education, acceptance speech for “The Beacon Award,” which she gave at this year’s gala! I am honored and proud to have played a part in the shaping of Erika’s Lighthouse for the last 13 years.  Even before I […]
I have struggled with food and weight for longer than I could remember. I always wanted dessert and lots of it! I was constantly overeating and I was moody, sad and displayed symptoms of depression. Eventually, I gave up and stopped caring about my health. I always wished I could just eat whatever I want […]
Prior to running the marathon, I ran a yearly 5k on Thanksgiving just to eat more and see if I could still do it. I watched Erika’s Lighthouse runners two years ago at the Chicago marathon and loved the energy of the day. Of course, Erika’s Lighthouse is near and dear to my heart and […]
Fall. The leaves start changing. The temperature drops. Sunrise and sunset times shift. Routines change— some with the start of the new school year and others with work, new projects, and new friends. This could be a time that we are confronted with situations that feel overwhelming and it can also be a time to […]