On June 19, 2021 I rode 51 miles through beautiful New Paltz, NY participating in my first Ride for Mental Health with my Uncle Len, his best friend Brent's sister Beth, and her friend Bob. It was a challenge I was not sure I would successfully complete but, as I veered out of the way of a slower rider and had to stop halfway up one of the last hills, tipped over trying to start again, and instead chose to ride down to the bottom of the hill and then pedal my way back to the top instead of walking my way up, I proved to myself that I could successfully complete even the steepest challenge, regardless of how tired my legs were. Crossing that finish line was one of the proudest moments in my life and I am looking forward to challenging myself a bit further again this year!
For the second year in a row, I am participating in the Ride for Mental Health in memory of my Uncle Len's best friend and Beth's brother Brent 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.