If you live in the San Diego area, one moving and healing event I would highly recommend looking into participating in is the “Finish Chelsea’s Run” 5k run/walk held by Chelsea’s Light Foundation, held annually in Balboa Park, San Diego.
Chelsea’s Light Foundation was established in honor of Chelsea King, a high school scholar, musician, and athlete, who tragically lost her life in February 2010. I grew up with Chelsea throughout elementary school and high school. I can still remember her constant optimism and always-bubbly attitude. She was always the source of everyone’s laughs and kept everyone thoroughly entertained with stories at the lunch table. No matter what kind of day she was having, she always had a positive attitude. She was a great role model and called for positive community change and action.
One afternoon, in 2010, Chelsea’s life was cut short by a heinous act while she was training for a cross-country meet. Many community members were affected by her loss and decided to get together and “finish Chelsea’s run.” Over 3,500 San Diego residents attended this event in honor of Chelsea. The community readily adopted this to an annual tradition. Now, over 5,000 people show up to “Finish Chelsea’s Run” 5k run/walk, which supports the Chelsea’s Light Foundation, an organization founded in response to this tragic event. The foundation supports positive change in community and the protection of children. Funds have contributed to the better protection of California children through Chelsea’s Law, and have provided scholarships to many California students.
So if you are looking for something wholesome to reflect on over this break, check out Chelseaslight.org to find out more information on how to become a positive change in your community and to read more about how Chelsea’s story has inspired others.