CHEYENNE – A team of Cheyenne-based cyclists are riding thousands of miles to support mental health awareness and suicide prevention in the community.
The Grace For 2 Brothers Foundation hosted a send off event for Cycle For Life team Patrick Graham and Mark Wells on Saturday at Holliday Park. The two will bike thousands of miles across the country to raise funds for Grace For 2 Brothers, which supports suicide prevention efforts and help for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis.
The Cycle For Life club was founded in 2016 to promote awareness and fundraising for those struggling with suicidal thoughts and mental health issues in Laramie County. Since then, Graham’s cross-country bicycle rides have helped raise nearly $20,000 for a number of local charities. He’s biked 2,000 fundraising miles since founding the club.
“No one is immune from experiencing depression at some point in their life,” he said. “It can be triggered by various biological, psychological and environmental factors. Recently, the circumstances in my life caused me to struggle with depression.”
While Graham found healing in faith and exercise, he said it’s often not that simple for others.
“We are grateful to have the voices, stories and passion of Patrick and Mark to spread the message of hope, healing and health in a fun and interactive way,” said Rhianna Brand, director of operations for Grace For 2 Brothers. “As well as for the funding, they will raise to support the mission of suicide prevention through awareness, education and support.”
Their trip has a “Where’s Waldo” twist. Instead of revealing where exactly they’ll be riding, supporters can follow along on Facebook for clues.
With every donation, there’s a chance to guess their destination, distance and date to win a $2,000 shopping spree to Cheyenne’s Rock On Wheels Cycle and Ski Shop.
For more information on Grace For 2 Brothers Foundation, visit www.gracefor2brothers.com. If you or someone you know is in crisis, text WYO to 741 741 or call 800-273-8255.
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Chrissy Suttles is the Wyoming Tribune Eagle’s business and health reporter. She can be reached at csuttles@wyomingnews.com or 307-633-3183. Follow her on Twitter at @chrissysuttles.
