I am doing this ride in honor of my brother, Brent Thurn, who was the funniest person you would ever meet, a devoted father, an avid cyclist, hard working, bright, intelligent and someone who battled major depression. He lost hope that he would ever get through his mental illness and tragically took his own life on February 20, 2021. In seeing all of the pain that Brent went through, I learned that there are not nearly enough treatment options for those who have a mental illness. I am riding to bring awareness to the prevalence of mental illness ... it touches far more people than we realize. We need to do more to remove the stigma associated with mental illness and put mechanisms in place for appropriate help to be more readily available.
I deeply appreciate any contribution you make to this worthwhile cause. If you want to join us on the ride, whether in person or virtual, come join "Team Shake It Off". For those that knew Brent, you may recognize the team name is a tribute to his video to the song "Shake It Off" where he sang along to the entire time making goofy faces like only he could. https://youtu.be/LhhoNjIwTWg
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.
Thank you for your support!
The Ride for Mental Health 2021
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 from 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.