During a period of immense sorrow, Caryn Honig has unearthed an equal measure of brightness and optimism.
In memory of her father, Morton Honig, and her maternal grandfather, Sam Rosen, both of whom tragically passed away by suicide, Honig initiated the Poppy’s Run For Life 5K and 1K event. Referred to affectionately as “Poppy” by their grandchildren, the second edition of Poppy’s Run is scheduled for Sunday, March 17, at Hennessy Park, located at 1900 Lyons Ave. The 5K will commence at 8 a.m. followed by the 1K at 8:05.
Reflecting on her journey, Honig shared with the JHV, “The illumination amid the shadows has provided me with the chance to witness the kindness in people. The suicides of my grandfather and father have catalyzed a shift in the dialogue surrounding suicide, emphasizing the importance of prevention, education, and awareness. It is evident that individuals who resort to suicide are enduring immense pain. Our aim is to commemorate their legacy and celebrate their lives.”
The inaugural Poppy’s Run garnered close to \(60,000 last year, post expenses. This year, Honig aspires to raise \)100,000, with fifty percent of the proceeds allocated to the Joan and Stanford Alexander Jewish Family Service and the remainder to the Montrose Center, a support system for the LGBTQ+ community. Honig acknowledges Michelle Fredricks of Alexander JFS for her dedicated efforts in supporting Poppy’s Run.
As a professor at the University of Houston, Honig has secured sponsorships from an array of donors, both anticipated and unexpected. Noteworthy contributions include support from the University of Houston and a generous donation from Ken Bridge, the proprietor of Pink’s Pizza and Lola’s Café in the Heights.
Drawing strength from personal connections, Honig has engaged with Solomon Thomas, the defensive lineman for the New York Jets, who established The Defensive Line, a nonprofit organization aimed at curbing youth suicide following the loss of his sister, Ella, to suicide in 2018.
Honig, an avid runner with 47 marathons under her belt, underwent a partial knee replacement in Chicago by the renowned Dr. Richard A. Berger. Dr. Berger, a staunch supporter of “Poppy’s Run,” is also sponsoring a documentary highlighting Honig’s journey. Remarkably, Honig is set to be Dr. Berger’s first patient to participate in the Boston Marathon post knee-surgery.
Having experienced the loss of her grandfather in the 1980s and, more recently, her father in March 2021, Honig emphasizes the positivity that has emerged from moments of despair. She expressed, “Amidst the sorrow, there is an abundance of light. The outpouring of support for this cause and mission is truly heartening. I firmly believe that we are effecting change.”