Hi! Thank you so much for supporting our efforts to #RideAwayTheStigma surrounding mental illness.
I chose to participate in the ride not only because I have seen firsthand the myriad of ways the stigma surrounding talking about mental health disorders and/or symptoms has prevented people from living a dignified and authentic life, but also because I need this ride.
If you know me, you know that I was hit by a car while riding my bike during the first few months of the pandemic. Without question, my helmet saved my life. The physical and mental recovery has been more complex than I thought it would be, and getting back to feeling safe and competent on a bike again is an important recovery goal I have set for myself. Like many things in life, it's easier to do hard things when you've got the support of your loved ones and community. So, that's what this ride is for me - an opportunity to lean on my fellow riders to find motivation and strength to do "a hard thing" that matters to me.
I am grateful that this ride I needed so much had a virtual rider registration option so I could #RideToEndTheStigma in my own community. If you're in Northern Colorado, I invite you to join us, do your own ride, donate, or use the day of Sunday, June 26th to dismantle the stigma in your social circles. If you are unsure how to take that first step, or maybe aren't yet ready to share your experience with other people, I invite you to attend a Mental Health First Aid class (such as this one organized by SummitStone: https://www.summitstonehealth.org/mental-health-first-aid/).
The ride here in Loveland will take place on the 26 miles of paved trails around the city the morning of Sunday, June 26. Please reach out for more details if you want to join us!
Thank you for your support in ending the stigma surrounding mental illness!
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.