On February 20, 2021 my life was forever changed when my brother, Brent Thurn, died by suicide as the result of a struggle with major depression. Brent was the funniest human I knew, was a loving and attentive family man, was hardworking, was talented, was educated, was bright, was an avid cyclist, was active as a hockey referee and player and was someone who battled mental illness. Unfortunately, he lost hope that he would ever get better and felt his only option out of the pain was through suicide.
For the second year in a row, I am participating in the Ride for Mental Health in Brent's memory and in hopes of raising awareness for the mental illness battles so many struggle with. 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.
The name of our team is "Team Shake it Off", not to make light of mental illness, but to help shake off the stigma associated with it and also as a tribute to the humerous parody video Brent once made to the hit Taylor Swift song of the same name. You can check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhhoNjIwTWg
I would greatly appreciate your contribution to this worthwhile cause. Thank you for your support!
The Ride for Mental Health 2022
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.
MATCHING GIFTS:
Many employers will match your gift to the Ride. Please check with your company.
Checks should be made payable to Eric’s Ride Inc. and mailed to:
Mac Dorris
537 1st Street
Brooklyn, NY 11215
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.