Jessica Bedard

This year, I’m taking part in the CMHA Kelowna Push-Up Challenge with a SMART and realistic goal for me: 300 push-ups in 23 days.

Mental health has been a significant part of my life journey, both personally and as a parent. I know firsthand how challenging it can be to navigate the world with a brain that works differently, especially when those differences are not visible, understood, or acknowledged.

I am also raising a child who faces similar challenges. Parenting a child or youth with mental health needs requires strength, patience, and support. When parents are also navigating their own mental health, the journey can be even more complex, yet this reality is still rarely talked about.

I’m raising funds to:

• Help reduce stigma around mental health

• Increase awareness of hidden disabilities

• Support families where both parents and children are impacted by mental health challenges

• Begin my path as an advocate for hidden disabilities in Canada

Mental health is not always visible. Many people live with hidden disabilities, and greater awareness leads to empathy, inclusion, and meaningful change. This is why initiatives like the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower are so important in helping communities better understand and support one another.

Every push-up I complete represents:

• A step toward awareness

• A stand against stigma

• A message that mental health matters: for parents, for children, and for families

Thank you for supporting this cause and helping create a more compassionate and inclusive community.