South Dakota man running across country, raising awareness about grief, runs through Decatur

RAPID CITY, SD. (WAND) —A South Dakota man passes through Decatur on his run across the country from capitol to capitol, spreading awareness for those dealing with the grief of a lost loved one.

In 2017, Joshua and Stacy Nehring lost their teenage daughter, Lilli, in a fatal car accident. Since that tragic day, the Nehring’s have been helping others cope with grief through service. Together, they created a non-profit called SRVIVRS, which supports those who have lost a loved one or friend.

The couple has named it The Black Pearl Project, and the Tour kicked off from the gravesite of Lilli Nehring in Rapid City earlier this summer on June 3rd.

Illinois marks the fourth state Joshua has run through. He passed through Springfield on July 4th, when a special "Move in Memory" ceremony was held at the Illinois State Capitol steps that afternoon.

Over the course of The Black Pearl Project National Tour, Joshua will cover 17,000 miles across 48 states in one calendar year—all to raise awareness about grief.

Joshua will “Move in Memory” to honor those who have passed and will run approximately 60 miles per day.

“No one has ever run from capitol to capitol across our country for grief awareness. Just like in running, grief can feel isolating, but is best accomplished with the support of those around you,” explained Joshua Nehring, Runner, Co-Founder, and CEO of SRVIVRS. “My calling is to serve others in knowing they aren’t alone. Grief is something we all share from the cornfields to the mountains to the coasts.”

The Nehring’s named the Tour the “Black Pearl Project” because as Joshua believes, “Over time, beauty can emerge from overcoming stress and challenges – just like a rare pearl found in the ocean.”

The Tour will caravan the country in a SRVIVRS branded RV with support vehicles alongside Joshua and whoever chooses to run with him.

“We look forward to meeting people along the way and invite everyone from the communities we travel through to gather and actively pause, reflect, and honor those who have passed on,” said Stacy Nehring, Wife, Mom, and Co-Founder of SRVIVRS. “The Black Pearl Project is all about offering a soft spot to land for those who are struggling with grief.”