Six years. Still hard to believe.
This is my sixth year riding in The Ride for Mental Health in honor of my brother, Brent Thurn, who died by suicide on February 20, 2021, after battling major depression and anxiety.
Brent was funny, generous, brilliant, and deeply devoted to his family. On the outside, he looked like he had every reason to live. But his mind lied to him. The pain he carried — especially during the isolation of the pandemic — became too heavy.
Brent loved cycling. Now I ride for him.
I ride to shake off the stigma surrounding mental health.
I ride for families who know this heartbreak.
I ride so others can access the care they need before it’s too late.
If you’re able, please consider supporting Team Shake It Off. Every donation helps fund research and treatment scholarships for those struggling with mental illness.
Let’s turn loss into action. Let’s turn heartbreak into hope — for Brent. ??
The Ride for Mental Health 2026
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. The Ride has 2 goals: to end the stigma surrounding mental illness and to raise critically needed funds for education, research and treatment of mental illness. The funds raised by the riders and volunteers will be donated to McLean Hospital, the nation's number 1-rated psychiatric hospital and an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, and to local charities that focus on mental health.