Hi! My first fundraising effort ever is for the Mental Health Ride I am participating in tomorrow (yes, last-minute, too, but I have till July 30 ro fundraise). A 25-mile bicycle ride through the hills around New Paltz, in honor of my grandmother, who was the most reliable force of love and support in my young life, who I always could count on, and yet who had a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia when she was in her 40's and was subject to years of shock treatments, at first against her will, which caused her great trauma, and yet was also greatly helped by psychiatric intervention too.
So I ride in memory of and in dedication to her, and to better understandings of mental illness, reduction of stigma, and both more humane and more helpful treatment.
And also in memory of the numerous people I have known who have committed suicide - my childhood art teacher, my high school mates Daryl Hoffma (who was ver important in my llife), Della Ernst, and John Ibrahim; a friend's mother, another friend's mother and brother and sister, Sasha and Mark from dance camp, a personal development course-mate, a student I knew in my Physics class, ... and others I am probably leaving out.
This is why it is important to me.
Please consider supporting reducing stigma and research to improve treatment for mental illness.
AND - I know there are many other causes, and am in no way offended if you don't contribute. Please do what is right for you and calls to you and leaves you feeling like you did the right thing for you.
Thanks!!!!
Ariel
The Ride for Mental Health 2018
The Ride for Mental Health is one of the first rides in the country to benefit mental health. The proceeds raised will be donated to McLean Hospital, a Harvard Medical School affiliate, for the education, research and treatment of mental illness including anxiety, borderline personality disorder, depression, eating disorders and substance abuse. Our mission is to raise funds for McLean so that we can help accelerate the progress being made to help others who suffer from mental illness.
We also hope to end the stigma surrounding mental illness through education and awareness. The promotion of this ride is a start. Many if not most of us are touched by close friends and relatives who have suffered with one type or another of mental illness.
Eric's Ride Inc. is a New York not for profit corporation with 501(c)(3) status. 100% of rider pledges will be donated to McLean Hospital, a Harvard Medical School affiliate.