Suicide Prevention & Awareness
CARYn Honig, founder of Poppy's run for life
CARYN'S TWO POPPys
SAM ROSEN
Morton Honig
Morton Honig
Caryn's Grandfather, Poppy
Morton Honig
Morton Honig
Morton Honig
Caryn's Father, also called Poppy
About POPPY
CARYN'S POPPYS
Pictured above are Caryn's beloved "Poppys", her grandfather and father who both died by suicide.
WHO IS YOUR "POPPY"?
Do you have a "Poppy" in your life? If you've lost a loved one by suicide, we invite you to write the name of the person you're running/walking in memory of on your race bib. There will be a spot for that.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to honor our loved ones who have died by suicide and to raise funds and awareness about suicide and mental health resources. All proceeds will go to two chosen organizations that offer suicide prevention and awareness.
BENEFICIARIES
Proceeds go to the Montrose Center and JFS Houston . Both organizations offer suicide prevention and awareness.
poppy's run for life - 2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Caryn Honig, President and Race Director
What she is hilariously bad at: "I'm great at the big picture but hilariously bad at the details. I'm also really bad at sewing, singing, and staying on a budget."
Why she is involved again: "After my dad died by suicide in 2022, I needed a purpose and a reason to get out of bed. Poppy's Run gave me that. Now that we have created a community and successfully raised money for suicide prevention, I want to make this grow. I want this to go national. I want to make a difference."
One interesting fact: She was inducted into the University of Denver Athletic Hall of Fame for tennis (not running).
Scott Schepps, Vice President and Assistant Race Director
What he is hilariously bad at? "I am hilariously bad at not getting emotionally involved when watching sports on t.v."
Why he is involved again: "Morton was a big part of our lives. I have experienced the pain that suicide causes for survivors. I am hopeful that we can help others avoid that pain through Poppy's Run For Life."
One interesting fact: This 5th generation Houstonian was a surfer growing up.
Leslie Coleman, Race Course Director and Race Advisor
What she is hilariously bad at: "Dancing"
Why she is involved again: "There is so much more to be done! We need to continue to fight to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health so that more people will get the help they need."
One interesting fact: She used to be a synchronized swimmer.
Claire Greenberg, Director of Finance
What she is hilariously bad at: "I have no sense of rhythm. I just can't quite find the beat, which ruined my career as a musician by the time I was 12."
Why she is involved again: "I am involved again because I absolutely believe in supporting suicide prevention and awareness and it provides a special opportunity to work with my good friend Caryn."
One interesting fact: She is the Board Chair of Houston Grand Opera.
Sarah Abercrombie, Director of Operations
What she is hilariously bad at: "Ironically, running. Physical activities that require endurance or hand-eye coordination are definitely not my strong suit. You'll catch me walking Poppy's Run for Life!"
Why she is involved again: "In 2019, I was seconds away from taking my own life, when Caryn's daughter, Natasha, called me. In that moment, Natasha was not only my best friend but also my guardian angel. Just a few years later, I found myself at Poppy's house helping both Caryn and Natasha process Poppy's loss to suicide. Needless to say, suicide prevention and awareness are near and dear to my heart."
One interesting fact: She's trained two working service dogs.
Michelle Fredricks, Director of Community Engagement
What she is hilariously bad at: "I am terrible at singing. I cannot hold a note or stay in tune. My husband didn’t like me singing lullabies to our children when they were little in fear they would be tone deaf from the lack of ability to sing on tune."
Why she is involved again: "I am involved with Poppy’s Run for Life because Suicide Prevention and Awareness is a topic that needs more attention. I have known Caryn and Scott since our children were little and I am honored to help them carry this message to the community and beyond. Also, as an employee of Alexander JFS, it is my hope that with monies raised from Poppy’s Run for Life, we (Alexander JFS) can continue to grow and expand our Suicide Prevention and Awareness programs."
One interesting fact: She loves to clean and organize in her free time. Give her a closet or a kitchen drawer that needs cleaning and she is a happy camper.
Andrea Hill, Race Advisor
What is she hilariously bad at: "This is a tough question for me to answer, as technically, I'm hilariously bad at almost everything! For the public eye, I'll admit that I'm hilariously bad at folding laundry, because I actually LOVE folding laundry, but I always do a sloppy job. The folded piles are always lumpy, especially with items with awkward seams, like t-shirts, and fitted sheets. But I can't even fold towels straight!"
Why she is involved again: " I am involved in Poppy's Run again because I will take any opportunity to make someone happy and help others recognize how meaningful their life is."
One interesting fact: She is a mom, wife, runner, full-time employee, OT enthusiast and an MBA candidate. "So, I guess that makes me good at juggling.”
Ellen London, Race Advisor
What is she hilariously bad at? "Handwriting and spelling. Thankfully, we have spell check."
Why is she involved again? "Firstly, because I thought Caryn's dad was an amazing man and I would do anything to honor him and support Caryn. Secondly, I think suicide prevention is an underserved cause that you don't hear often enough. Also, love and attention need to be brought to those in need or have been affected by suicide."
One interesting fact: She is a certified scuba diver.
Laura Guajardo, Spokesperson
What is she hilariously bad at? “I’m hilariously bad at impressions and accents, but get a good belly laugh out of it every time I try!”
Why is she involved in Poppy's Run For Life?
“ After surviving my suicide attempt in January 2018, I immersed myself in therapy at The Montrose Center and came to realize I had been living with undiagnosed clinical depression since my childhood. I had no idea I was living with such poor self-awareness and rejected the possibility of having a mental illness since I had always been known as a very happy person to everyone around me. By having this unexpected first-hand experience I have chosen to accept my differences to make a difference in the lives that may be having similar struggles and I hope to be a light for others to know they are not alone in this battle.”
One interesting fact: “I am a proud owner of two backyard chickens that enjoy swinging with me on my hammock.”
GET INVOLVED TODAY
If you're interested in supporting Poppy's Run For Life, contact Caryn today.
Copyright © 2023 Poppy's Run For Life - All Rights Reserved.
Powered by GoDaddy
This website uses cookies.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.