For the fourth consecutive year, I will be riding 50 miles throughout the gorgeous Hudson Valley as part of The Ride for Mental Health to honor the memory of my only sibling, Brent Thurn, who died by suicide on February 20, 2021 following a battle with major depression and anxiety.
Those who knew Brent would describe him as hysterically funny, generous with his time and talents, hardworking, bright and devoted to his family. By all outward appearances, he was successful and had every reason to live. His mind, though, lied to him. During the isolation of the pandemic, his struggles increased and his depression and anxiety worsened. He tried so hard to stay strong and fight these largely hidden battles. Brent would tell me about how much pain he was in - that it was unrelenting. He could not see a way out.
Following Brent's death, I became determined to find a way to bring purpose to pain and help raise awareness to the importance of mental health treatment for those who fight similar battles as my brother experienced. In 2021, Brent's best friend, Leonard Valvo, and I formed "Team Shake It Off". We want to help "shake off" the stigma of mental illness. We are also paying tribute to Brent's love of cycling and the parody sing along video he once made to the Taylor Swift song by the same name.
The last few years Team Shake It Off has raised thousands of dollars and we hope to continue that again this year. Proceeds from The Ride for Mental Health benefit McLean Hospital, a Harvard Medical School affiliate, which is consistently ranked as a top hospital in the U.S. News & World Report's annual Best Hospitals survey. Not only will the money raised help to further research efforts, but it will also be used to provide scholarships to those patients who may not otherwise be able to afford much needed care.
I greatly appreciate any and all support to this worthwhile cause. No donation is too small as ALL donations help to make change and impact the lives of those who have mental health struggles.
I will continue to honor Brent by advocating for those who need access to care for mental health. Together we CAN make a difference! Thank you for your support!
The Ride for Mental Health 2024
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.