ADRA Advocates Run Toward Hope in Brazil

For Marcia, who lives in Parnamirim, Brazil, running is not just exercise; it is her lifeline. At 52, Marcia found herself trapped in a cycle of despair. She began her transformative journey when she joined the ADRA (Adventist Development and Relief Agency) Runners project—a decision that set her on a path to reclaim her life. Running pulled her from the depths of anxiety and depression, rekindling a sense of purpose she thought she had lost forever.

“I used to wake up at 10 or 11 in the morning, sit in front of the TV, and eat whatever I had around,” she recalls, reflecting on her once-lifeless routine. Each day blended into the next, filled with unhealthy habits and an overwhelming sense of hopelessness. Depression and anxiety enveloped her, leaving her feeling isolated, lost, and invisible. “I was a mess,” she admits, acknowledging the dark cloud that loomed over her life. “There was this unwillingness to live—something was deeply wrong.”

Each passing day felt like a descent into a deeper void, where even the smallest tasks seemed insurmountable. Marcia was at war with herself, yearning for freedom but feeling utterly trapped.

That freedom arrived when a friend, Erinaldo Costa, reached out to her with an invitation to join ADRA Runners, a project aimed at promoting physical activity and well-being. Initially hesitant, Marcia viewed running as impossible and irrelevant. Little did she know that this single invitation would transform her life in ways she couldn’t yet imagine.

Her first run was daunting. Each step felt heavy, and every breath was a struggle. Yet, it marked the beginning of something beautiful. “He asked if I wanted to run, and I said yes,” she recalls. “I thought it would just be light training.” But as soon as she started, she discovered unexpected joy. Running became her escape from the darkness that had once consumed her.

Erinaldo vividly remembers Marcia’s first race. “I’ll never forget her joy after completing her first 5,000 meters. She walked, trotted, and ran, and at the end, she looked at me and said, ‘Erinaldo, I’m happy. I managed to run my first 5K.’ Her eyes were shining. That day, she told me, ‘I want to keep going. I want to run a full distance.’”

Through ADRA Runners, Marcia discovered not just physical healing, but also a vibrant community. “Running helped me feel alive again,” she shares, her voice rich with emotion. The friendships she formed within the group provided the emotional support she desperately needed. “You first arrive in pieces, and you leave in one piece,” she says, smiling as she reflects on the love and encouragement she has received. The group became her family, guiding her through her mental health journey.

Today, Marcia’s life is unrecognizable from her past. No longer waking up late or glued to the TV, she embraces each day with renewed purpose. Her new routine is filled with physical activity, positive interactions, and the confidence that comes from being supported. “I’ve found joy again,” Marcia exclaims. “It’s incredible how much it means to get out there and move, especially with people who uplift you.”

Now, Marcia is not just a participant—she’s a mentor, helping others on their journeys as she was once helped. Her transformation exemplifies the ripple effect of initiatives like ADRA Runners, proving that with the right support, healing is possible.

ADRA is committed to holistic health and well-being. Projects like ADRA Runners are crucial to this mission, addressing not only physical fitness but also mental and emotional wellness. By offering programs that combat isolation and inactivity, ADRA empowers individuals like Marcia to reclaim their lives and embrace a future filled with hope.

As Marcia powerfully states, “Running changed my life.” With the love and support of ADRA and her fellow runners, she continues to run toward a future of health, happiness, and healing.