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Goal is $250
$1,075 donated
I was too young to understand it when it started, but my oldest brother had schizophrenia. He was diagnosed when he was 17 or so. He thought people were shooting at him when he drove around town. For the next 40 years he lived in a confused world, without much joy. We were lucky that my parents could keep him at home and not send him to an institution. We could meet his physical needs, but not his mental health needs.
I’m hiking Mount Washington in memory of my brother Kurt. My hope is that the money raised will be a step in the direction of diagnosing schizophrenia before it emerges, and while there is time to prevent it. There have been many advances since Kurt was 17, but real treatment is still a long hike ahead of us. I have to believe that there is a top to reach, and then some kid like my brother will have a chance at a rich, full life.
I also hope that by talking about Kurt, what happened to him, and how it affected me and my family will make it easier for other people to talk about how they have been affected by mental illness themselves.
1 in 4 families is affected by mental illness.
HIKE for Mental Health is a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded on the vision of a world in which everyone, including those who suffer mental illness, can find the simple joy of living.
Our mission is to alleviate the suffering of those afflicted by mental illness, eliminate the associated stigma, and foster responsible use of wilderness trails.
As an all-volunteer organization, we distribute 100% of contributions raised by our hikes.
- 80% funds scientific research to understand and treat mental illness
- 20% conserves national wilderness trails
Your donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by the IRS. Thank you for your support.
Want to join a hike yourself? Visit our hike schedule.
Donations
The Richardson family
$50
Great work, Enjoy the hike!
Ann Ford
$100
Have a great hike!
James Ford
$50
Happy trails!
Casey
$100
Thanks for being such great humans
Eddy
$100
So glad you are doing this again what a great cause. Hope the knees hold up well!
Thom and Denis
$100
Looking forward to attempting this hike again with you two someday. Until then, enjoy the hike and wishing you great weather this year!
Matty
$100
Karl Huffman
$100
Southern Maine Garden Club
$50
Good luck. It’s such a good cause. I doubt there is anyone who doesn’t have a family member struggling with mental health these days.
Anonymous
$100
Michele Ring
$100
Chris M.
$25
Judy
$100
I love you two. Happy trails!
