10/19/2026
We wanted to share what Saturday meant to us:
Looking around and seeing all these faces, I can't even begin to tell you what this means to me and our family.
To our race company, our sponsors, our volunteers, every runner and walker, and all the people who have worked so hard behind the scenes to make today happen — thank you.
And to our tribe — those friends who have become our family, who have stood beside us through the unimaginable, who have helped carry us when we couldn't carry ourselves — there are simply no words big enough.
You have loved us, supported us, and continued to show up for us and for Ashton, year after year.
And today, so many of you who may have never known Ashton are here, too.
That means more to me than you could ever know.
Because when we lost Ashton, one of my greatest fears was that as time went on, the world would move forward and people would forget her.
As her mom, I never want the world to forget that she was here.
That she mattered.
That she was loved.
And that the kindness she showed others is still making a difference.
I looked around this morning and see people of all different ages, backgrounds, and walks of life, gathered together, laughing, making memories, cheering each other on, and simply enjoying being together.
And I can't help but smile because Ashton would have absolutely loved this.
She would have loved the energy, the friendships, the laughter, and especially seeing so many people coming together for something good.
And I hope that when you think about today, you take a little piece of Ashton's heart with you.
Maybe it's her story that stays with you.
Maybe it's a new friendship you make today.
Or maybe it's simply a reminder to slow down, notice someone who needs a little extra love, and choose kindness when you have the opportunity.
Because that's what this has always been about.
We can't change what happened to Ashton. And there will never be a day that we don't wish she were here with us.
But what we can do is make sure that the love and kindness she brought into this world continue to grow.
And that's exactly what your support today will help us do.
The proceeds from this race will help fund our efforts during ChooseKind Week, when we go out into our community and perform acts of kindness.
What started years ago with her classmates choosing the hashtag has grown into something that allows us to share her kindness with people who may never have had the chance to know her.
Through ChooseKind Week, we have the opportunity to brighten someone's day, help someone who may be struggling, and remind people that they are seen, valued, and cared for.
And because of all of you, we get to keep doing that.
I hope you know that you're doing more than completing a 5K. You're helping us carry Ashton's kindness beyond this morning and into the lives of others.
And that's a gift I could never thank you enough for.
My hope is that this is just the beginning — that we'll be standing here together for many, many years to come, making new memories, welcoming new friends into our ChooseKind family, and continuing to spread kindness in Ashton's honor.
I believe she is here in the love that brought us all together.
And because of each and every one of you, her story continues. Her kindness continues. And her light continues to shine.
From the bottom of our hearts thank you, what joy you brought to our hearts today 💙
Love, Dawn, Jimmy and Faith
