Miles and Smiles Team SaltyAF Louis

My Miles & Smiles Journey

I'm participating in Miles & Smiles, a 58-day movement (November 3 - December 31, 2025) honoring Anthony "Ant" Tricarico, a vibrant young man with autism who lost his battle with mental health challenges. His story reminds us that too many people struggle in silence - but together, we can change that.

My Commitment:Over the next 58 days, I'm pledging to complete 1,000 Miles And Smiles through movement and acts of connection. Every mile I walk, run, or move, and every smile I create through kindness and service, represents hope for someone struggling with mental health challenges.

Why This Matters:

• Every 11 minutes, someone dies by suicide in the United States
• 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with autism, many facing mental health challenges
• Physical movement and human connection are proven to improve mental wellness
• Your donation brings hope, healing, and life-saving education to teens, parents, and educators

How Your Donation Creates Real Impact:

• $25 - One conversation closer to hope. Provides a teen with printed materials, QR card access, and resources to connect with peer-led mental health networks. Every $25 helps reach another school, another teen, another life.

• $50 - Equips a Teen Leader with training and a starter toolkit to begin mental health conversations in their school, including printed resources and digital access to support platforms.

• $100 - Launches a Teen Voices Initiative for a small group of students to run their first session with facilitation guides, materials, and ongoing support.

• $250 - My full goal sponsors critical mental health programming and helps build safe spaces where teens can openly discuss mental health and dismantle stigma.

• $500 - Sponsors an Endurant Mental Health Club for one school year, empowering dozens of teens with activities, speakers, and resources.

• $1,000+ - Brings the Endurant Movement to new communities, launching teen-led mental health clubs and peer support networks.

My Why: 

Support me in supporting others. I met the Tricaricos just months ago, but I feel like I've known them my whole life. Neal and Samara are two of the most beautiful, kind, loving people I've met, and they've suffered what is perhaps the most unnatural tragedy—losing their child to suicide.

Anthony Tricarico passed away just over a year ago. From that devastating loss, the Endurant Movement was born. We honor Ant's legacy by fostering healing through storytelling, community, and post-traumatic transformation—empowering individuals to rediscover meaning after loss.

Too many neurodivergent individuals, like Ant, face silent struggles leading to isolation, anxiety, and suicide. The statistics are staggering—we're losing too many. EndurANT bridges the gap between autism, mental health, and suicide prevention, ensuring no one suffers alone.

Rooted in love, compassion, and spirituality, we provide tools, support, and inspiration to turn grief into growth—proving that even in loss, there is power to endure and heal.

I need your help now. We chose this season specifically because the holidays are the darkest time for many. Join me in the Miles and Smiles Challenge. Together, let's bring light to others when they need it most.

Join My Team: Team Salty AF

You can support this cause in three ways:

1. Donate - Every dollar brings hope and healing
2. Join - Sign up at https://mtyc.co/kr72kf and create your own fundraising page
3. Share - Spread awareness about mental health and this movement

Together, we're proving that no one flies alone. We rise by lifting, not pushing. Thank you for helping me transform pain into purpose, one mile and one smile at a time.

With gratitude and hope,

Louis Kim

#MilesAndSmiles #EndurantMovement #MentalHealthMatters #WeAreEndurant

100% of donations support the Endurant Movement's mental health initiatives. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. The Endurant Movement is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.