Early Sunday morning, before the heat set in, Amber Bell set off on a run in Fort Myers, but it wasn’t just any run. Amber was competing virtually in the Boston Marathon.
By choosing to run the Boston Marathon virtually, Bell was able to raise money and awareness for St. Matthew’s House. St. Matthew’s House, specifically our addiction recovery program, is a cause close to her heart as some of her family members have struggled with addiction.
“People are scared to talk about it,” Amber said. ” I don’t want people to be scared. If people have a problem, they need to know that they can come to someone [for help].”
Though this was her fourth marathon, Amber knew it wouldn’t be easy running in the South Florida heat and humidity.
Amber says around mile 24, she was starting to feel the exhaustion set in, but credits her will and teammates for helping her finish strong! Amber’s goal was to finish in 4 hours and 30 minutes, and she not only hit that but set a PB with a time of just under 4 hours and 28 minutes!
Amber raised over $6,0000 for St. Matthew’s House and was able to present her big check to Stever Brooder the week before her run.
“If what I’ve done has helped one person, then I feel blessed,” Amber said.
If you or someone you know struggles with addiction or substance abuse, please know that there is hope. Visit our Get Help page for more information.
