On June 19th I will be riding a fancy new road bike for 50 miles in New Paltz, NY alongside my Uncle Lenny Valvo and the rest of Team Shake It Off. I learned of this ride from my uncle who used to ride with one of his best friends that recently lost his battle with mental health. We are riding for Brent, for our friends and family who battle mental health issues every day, and to break down the stigma that surrounds mental health.
My personal story with mental health started following a lousy break up that left me feeling pretty down for way too much of the day. I was okay, but just okay, and I wanted to feel like myself again. Reaching out to a professional mental health counselor was one of the most helpful things I have ever done. Those sessions helped me to process trauma, grief, and to work through previous instances that were still weighing me down. And in a short amount of time I was feeling back to myself for most of the day and after a few more sessions I was actually feeling stronger mentally than I ever had. And now looking back at it all I feel like I'm in the best place I have ever been!
So, I would like to use this platform to encourage everyone to seek out a professional when trying to heal your brain just like you would when trying to heal a broken arm! Whether you need a handful of sessions or weekly check ins, a professional is a professional for a reason! Go talk to someone! Break the stigma that its weird, you're weak, that you're messed up for needing help. Who would you trust your more to heal your broken arm, your best friend or a medical doctor? And would you judge someone else for taking their broken arm to a medical doctor? If the answer is no then why are we judging people for seeing mental health professionals?!
The proceeds raised by this race are 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. This cause hopes 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.
Team Shake It Off greatly appreciates your contribution to this worthwhile cause. I will do my very best to finish the 50 mile course (without falling off my bike)! 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.