On March 18, 2009, the world lost Joshua Lee Anderson—a beloved son, brother and friend—to suicide. He was 17 years old. The Josh Anderson Foundation (JAF) was formed for two purposes: to keep Josh's memory alive and to collect funds for the education and prevention of teenage suicide. JAF's goal is to promote youth mental health awareness by bringing innovative, creative and effective programs directly into high schools.

By the end of the 2012-2013 school year, JAF will have funded programs in eleven schools and impacted over 17,000 students. JAF-funded programs aim to:

• reduce the negative stigma associated with mental and emotional challenges,

• increase the dialogue between students, peers and adults and

• provide each student with the knowledge that they are not alone and resources exist to help them.

Individuals can help prevent teenage suicide by donating to the JAF's largest fundraising event of the year, The Rock ’n’ Roll Half Marathon/Marathon run, set for Saturday, March 16, 2013. Over $25,000 was raised for the foundation in 2012 and the JAF aims to raise $30,000 this year.

Most of the money raised in the past has been used to fund programming in 2012. JAF needs additional money to fund the programming in store in the spring and then into the 2013-2014 school year. The vulnerable youth are thirsty for this discussion, education and support. JAF has the ideas and partnerships. School interest and support are in place to make that programming work.

If 300 people donate $100, JAF reaches their goal.

Runners in the race wearing royal blue "JAF" shirts and completing 13.1 miles in support of The Josh Anderson Foundation and the prevention of teenage suicide need funds to support JAF. Donate to Gillian Anderson or Lauren Anderson, members of the family and Josh's sisters, who are planning to run in memory of their brother. See their fundraising pages:

http://www.active.com/donate/joshafoundation2013/gillianderson

http://www.active.com/donate/joshafoundation2013/lauren2013

Visit the donation site at http://www.active.com/donate/joshafoundation2013 or make checks payable to The Josh Anderson Foundation and send to 1300 Carpers Farm Way, Vienna, VA 22182.

Visit www.joshafoundation.org for more information.