Ethan’s Sunflower Run
Ethan’s Sunflower Run — In Loving Memory of Ethan
To honour Ethan and raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention, we’re hosting a fun run/walk along Williamstown in December 2025, with dates TBA soon.
This year, my world changed forever. In February, We lost Ethan to an unimaginable tragedy. His passing has left a space no words can truly fill, and the grief is something I carry every day.
But in the midst of this heartbreak, I also carry Ethan’s light.
To know Ethan was to know warmth, laughter, and boundless energy. He radiated kindness, and his presence made everything feel brighter just like a sunflower turning toward the sun. Since his passing, sunflowers have become a powerful symbol of his spirit strong, golden, and full of life. They remind us of the love he gave so freely and the joy he brought into every space he entered.
Ethan loved to move whether it was running, walking, gym, or just being outdoors, he found joy in using his body and staying active. It was part of how he showed up in the world, fully, vibrantly, and with purpose. So, to honour him, I’ve created Ethan’s Sunflower Run a walk/run that brings together friends, family, and anyone touched by his story. It’s a space for us to gather, move our bodies the way Ethan loved to, and celebrate the beautiful soul he was and always will be.
But this run is about more than remembrance. It’s about action.
Mental health challenges affect 1 in 5 Australians every year, and far too many lives like our beloved Ethan’s are lost to suicide. The ripple effects of that loss are deep and lasting, touching families, friends, and entire communities.
That’s why I’m lacing up my shoes not just for Ethan, but for everyone who’s struggling in silence. Through Ethan’s Sunflower Run, I’m raising funds for the Black Dog Institute, a leading organisation dedicated to mental health research, education, and support services.
I do this in Ethan’s memory, with all the love in my heart. I do it to honour the way he lived, and to help others find the light when theirs begins to dim. My hope is that, together, we can start conversations, reduce stigma, and offer real, lasting hope to those who need it most.
If Ethan taught me anything, it’s that even the smallest acts of kindness can mean everything. So please, walk or run with us. Donate if you can. Share the message. Be the light for someone who needs it.
Let’s run for Ethan. Let’s run for hope. Let’s run to make a difference.
My Achievements
My Updates
Thank you everyone!
Wednesday 15th Oct
Over $2K raised!! We’re beyond grateful for the incredible generosity and support we’ve received. Knowing that these funds will go towards vital mental health research, helping to prevent future tragedies, makes this outcome truly meaningful.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for standing with us and making a difference. 💛
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Overwhelmed!
Tuesday 9th Sep
Thank you to my Sponsors
$54.12
Jason Bakker
$27.81
Tiffany Lo
$22.58
Rhonda Kennedy
Kaitlyn you are such a beautiful friend to keep Ethan’s memory and light alive.
$54.12
Anonymous
$33.15
Anonymous
❤️
$27.81
Nicole Rains
$54.12
Molly Graham
$54.12
Talia Haber
$54.12
Hayden Kennedy
$17.16
Anonymous
$54.12
Leanne Macdonald
$131.88
Therese O’brien
$54.12
Nicole Mcdonald
$80.25
Naomi Stowe
Hope is life.. thinking of everyone who has experienced unimaginable loss and hoping those struggling cling to for hope in memory of Ethan
$55.50
Brett J Mccall
$54.12
Donna
$54.12
Stella Stamatakis
Ethan will always be amongst us x
$54.12
Leah Hollo
$131.88
Julie-anne Williams
$22.58
Liz Ainslie
$106.12
Tim Mullaly
$22.58
Anonymous
$106.12
Richard Van Der Merwe & Sue Laws
$54.12
Anonymous
Kait thank you for organising this event to honour Ethan and continue to shine a light on mental health and suicide prevention. It's been such a devastating loss.
$131.88
Anonymous
$78.45
Ron Moloney
$54.12
David Mattner
$54.12
Nick Lobianco
Great work, well done!
$54.12
Trevor & Leanne
Not a day passes without thinking of Ethan and all involved in this tragedy. No words do justice. Well done Kaitlyn
$54.12
Eliza G
$32.43
Lily
$54.12
Anonymous
$56.42
Anonymous
$106.12
Anonymous
$43.60
Deb Shearer
For Ethan. Forever young.
$54.12
Marlee Patoka
With all my heart x
$80.25
Gill Dalgas Wright
Darling Girls, am so proud of you both! Ethan was such a lovely young man, who had so much to live for. I got to know him when he stayed with me for a week. We enjoyed long walks and conversations. He loved a full English every morning before setting off to meet his friends. Then back in the evening for a hearty dinner. He will always be remembered.
$54.12
Noeleen Farrell
We think of Ethan every day.❤️
$54.12
Sonia Jones
Our thoughts are with you ❤️
$54.12
Alex Griffiths
$106.12
Andrea Louise Rapa
Thank you Kaitlyn. This is such a wonderful way to honour Ethan. 🩷🌻
$101.08
Claire Graham
Thank you for organising kait, a beautiful idea 🌻
$27.81
Claire Mcparland
I'm sure the sun will be shining on 9 November for your walk :)
$33.15
Linda Rogers
Well done Kait ( and Emily ) on channeling your grief grief and making a difference. With love and hugs to Ethan’s family and friends.
$131.88
Bo Jones
$80.25
Lynda & Armando
Love you Katie xx
$106.12
Richard Mckay
$131.88
Mandy Heather
This means the world to us Kait. Not a day goes by without sadness and the longing for Ethan. 🌻
$54.12
Lisa,robbie, Phee, Carl, Roo
$54.12
Lisa, Robbie Phee, Carl And Roo. Xx
Good luck from us all. . I hope it goes well. What a wonderful thing to do to honour his memory. Thinking of you. Xx
$106.12
Michelle Dalgas
Bubs..couldn’t be prouder of both you and Emily for bringing this to life….and knowing Ethan he’s going to be the first one across the line and into the water to cool off xx
$54.12
Ahmed Farghali
Lots of love your way kaity
$150
Sandy Jones
So very brave. My heart goes out to you xx 🌻
$106.12
Alyx & Britt
This is so beautiful katie we love you, Ethan would be so proud💛🌻
$54.12
Luisa Pace
$33.15
Alyssia Chillemi
$32.43
Carla Bertolini
$54.12
Maree C
love you kaity x
$33.15
Eva
I’m so sorry for your loss my love. You’re doing a wonderful thing and I’m sure he would be proud of you x
$131.88
