Daily Inspiration: Meet Emily Aiton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Aiton.

Hi Emily, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began this journey more than nine years ago after my best friend’s husband, Antouine, died by suicide following multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He left behind his wife, Sharon, their two young daughters, and countless friends who were devastated and searching for answers. That loss changed my life and ignited my commitment to helping reduce veteran suicide. What started as a single 5K quickly grew into something much larger. In 2018, after coverage of the race gained attention, I was invited to speak at a press conference at the Arizona State Capitol. Shortly afterward, Arizona legislators passed HB 2488, increasing funding for the Be Connected program, a statewide resource that connects service members, veterans, and their families to critical support services. To date, the program has helped more than 10,000 individuals.
Each year, Keri, the founder of 22 Too Many, flies in to provide photos of veterans lost to suicide, which runners pin to their shirts in honor and remembrance. Over the past five years, we’ve also added a raffle so that even those who don’t run can still participate and support the cause. Thanks to our incredible sponsors, 100% of the funds raised go directly back to 22 Too Many.
Saturday, November 7, 2026, will mark our official 10th year (with 2020 canceled due to COVID), and my hope is for it to be our biggest year yet; the most runners, the most raffle prizes, and the most donations possible to show our veterans that they are not alone and that their community truly has their backs.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, it’s truly been a labor of love. But I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have unwavering support along the way. Scott Montoya and EVIT have consistently allowed us to host the race on their campus, while also providing more than 40 volunteers each year from their criminal justice program. These volunteers help with everything from setting up the course to runner check-in, raffles, and cleanup. Dr. Wilson, EVIT’s Superintendent, has been an amazing supporter, and I sincerely hope we continue this partnership for many years to come.
I also couldn’t do this without Justin Heintz, who designs the race poster and shirts every year and shows up with me at 5 a.m. to provide the music and sound system. Alongside Justin and Scott, our incredible corporate sponsors: Weems Asphalt, Edge Building Services, and RestorationHQ are who make this event possible. Without this level of support, I don’t know how the race could continue to grow as successfully as it has.
And above all, I’m endlessly grateful for the unwavering support of my husband. As a Marine Corps veteran, he deeply understands the mission of 22 Too Many and the importance of this event, and his encouragement means everything to me.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
One thing that I always say in my speech is that “anyone, no matter who you are or what you do, can help and create and make a difference- I literally sell asphalt” but if you have a passion for a cause, you can find the time and the people to help make it happen. I work in the commercial real estate industry, and I’ve been incredibly moved by how my clients and colleagues have stepped up year after year. My employer, Craig Weems of Weems Asphalt, donates every single race T-shirt. Sergei Guk of RestorationHQ donates all of the finisher medals, and Gina and Rick of Edge Building Services provide the start-line registration, water, Gatorade, snacks, and fruit for every runner on race day.
We also have corporate teams from Cushman & Wakefield, CORE Construction, Chasse Building, CBRE, and many others. What makes me most proud is that I’ve been able to merge my career with my passion. In the seven years I’ve worked in this market, I’ve built a network of people who are deeply civic-minded and willing to stand behind the mission of 22 Too Many. Not everyone gets to blend their profession with purpose, and I’m incredibly grateful that I can. If you have a passion for a cause, you can make the time and even share your passion with others!

What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about our city is the diversity and the genuine willingness of people to help. So many individuals truly understand the need to break the stigma surrounding mental health in the military and support the goal of reducing the 22 veteran suicides that occur each day. What I like least is that, like many places, we still have a long way to go when it comes to mental health awareness and resources, especially for service members and veterans. But that’s also what fuels me. I will continue to work every day to push for change, advocate for awareness, and bring hope to this mission.
Every registration, every donation, and every person who shows up makes a difference. I look forward to seeing our community come together again on Saturday, November 7, 2026. If you would like to get involved, learn more, sign up, or donate a raffle prize, please email me at emilyaiton10@gmail.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://22toomany.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/22toomany/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-aiton-513b055/
• Email: emilyaiton10@gmail.com
• Other: www.weemsasphalt.com

Image Credits
Jason Swencki, Chris Adams