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At William's Be Yourself Challenge (WBYC), we deeply believe in the power of movement as a tool for mental and emotional healing. Physical activity not only promotes physical well-being, but it also plays a vital role in nurturing mental health. Through a variety of movement activities, we encourage both our community and grieving families to embrace movement as a powerful form of expression, connection, and healing.
1. William’s Flat Brim Parkour Challenge
One of our signature events, the William’s Flat Brim Parkour Challenge, is designed to bring people together through fun, inclusive movement. We partner with the local Parkour gym, HUB in Norton, MA, to lead our community in an exciting day of parkour. This event allows participants of all ages and abilities to explore the boundaries of movement and creativity in a safe and encouraging environment. Parkour is a fantastic form of exercise that helps people engage their bodies and minds, offering a unique mix of strength, agility, and community. We open this event to the entire Carlisle community, free of charge, as we aim to create accessible opportunities for all to experience the joy and benefits of movement.
2. Falmouth Road Race
Another cornerstone of our movement-based initiatives is our largest fundraiser of the year—The Falmouth Road Racein August. This iconic 7-mile race brings together a vibrant, exercise-focused community. Typically, we have 30-35 runners on our team, with many of our participants being kids, teens, and families who run together. This event holds a special place in our hearts because it not only supports our cause but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and collective effort. We train together, cheer one another on, and celebrate both our fundraising and running achievements. For many of our participants, running serves as a form of personal healing, and we are proud to integrate movement into our mission to help others heal.
3. Movement and Exercise at The Green House
We are thrilled to announce our new initiative, The Green House, which will provide a peaceful retreat in Falmouth, MA for grieving families. As part of this initiative, we will offer a variety of movement and exercise opportunities during each family’s stay. Physical activity is an essential component of mental health, especially for those navigating grief. We understand from personal experience that movement can be a lifeline during difficult times.
In the Green House, we plan to have an indoor gym equipped with a Peloton, weights, a treadmill, and space for yoga and stretching. Outdoors, we aim to create a space that encourages family-centric activities, such as a sport court, pickleball, basketball, and more. Our vision also includes easy access to local walking paths and bike trails, as the home will be located near the wonderful Shining Sea Bikepath. We hope to outfit the house with bikes so that families can explore and connect with nature while benefiting from the calming and restorative effects of physical movement.
Why Movement Matters for Mental Health
At WBYC, we know firsthand the power of movement in supporting mental health. After the tragic loss of our son, William, getting outdoors, staying active, and moving together as a family became a crucial part of our healing journey. Whether through walks, sports, or simply being outside in nature, movement gave us a sense of normalcy, strength, and connection during one of the hardest times in our lives. It is this personal experience that drives our commitment to incorporating movement into everything we do—because we know how deeply it can support the grieving brain and soul.
By emphasizing movement in our organization, we aim to provide families with the tools they need to move through grief, find strength, and connect with their loved ones in a meaningful way. Whether it's through our local events, our fundraising efforts, or the opportunities offered at The Green House, we’re committed to using movement to make a positive impact on mental health, community, and healing.
Join us in embracing movement for mental health, and together, we can create a future full of hope, connection, and healing.
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