This post is actually composed from an email I recently received from a friend, Herrick Muhlestein. I think it is self explanatory. I plan to participate in this ride. I invite you to join in also.
Thanks,
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I refer you to the official website for more details about this upcoming event: http://theglmr.com/
Gary Ludlow is my step father, and this ride is to raise awareness of mental illness and increase happiness in our lives. Please see the email and website or forward to someone who would like to ride or volunteer for this great event. Thank you! Herrick TheGLMR TheGLMR Register July 30th 2011 Join me in the the third annual Rid for Hope, Healing, & Happiness Dear Friend, Chances are, you never knew Gary Ludlow. If you did, then maybe you knew him as an award-winning insurance and real estate agent from American Fork. Or perhaps as a pro cyclist who once took second in the California State championships, or as a frequent rider in the Lotoja (Logan to Jackson) cycling event. Maybe you might have known his wife, one of his eight kids or 11 grandkids. Or maybe you knew that on December 5, 2008, Gary passed away due to a severe mental illness Gary Ludlow was my father, and before that tragic winter day, the problems of mental illness, depression, and even suicide seemed totally irrelevant to my life—just like they might seem to yours. Or maybe not. THE HIDDEN EPIDEMIC Statistically speaking, one in three people know someone with mental illness, or know of someone who has taken his or her own life. Suicide is now the second leading cause of death for people 25–34 year old, and the third leading cause among those 15–24. Suicide an often result from living with a mental illness—such as severe depression. And unfortunately, mental illnesses are more common than we’d like to think. Mental illnesses are medical conditions that disrupt a person's thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others, and daily functioning. They’re no one’s fault, nor are they the result of personal weakness, lack of character, or poor upbringing. Much like diabetes, mental illnesses are medical conditions that often result in a diminished capacity for coping with the ordinary demands of life. Unfortunately, mental illnesses often carry a social stigma that prevents some people from getting the help they need. Many try to hide their condition. The results can be tragic. What many people don’t realize is that mental illnesses are treatable—and that suicide is 100 percent preventable! But first, someone has to take action. A RIDE FOR HOPE, HEALING, AND HAPPINESS After my father’s death, many of his former teammates, friends, and family members expressed interest in creating a benefit bike ride to raise awareness of mental illnesses and suicide prevention, as well as honor Gary’s memory. And so, in the summer of 2009, the Gary Ludlow Memorial Ride (GLMR) metric century was created. The GLMR is a 62.5-mile/100-kilometer road event that raises awareness of mental illnesses and helps provide support for those who suffer, including those who have been left behind. By helping us spread awareness and encourage treatment, you can help prevent suffering and save lives. HOW YOU CAN HELP Since 2009, we’ve raised over $2,000 for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI Utah) and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP Utah). For our 3rd annual ride on Saturday, July 30, our goal is to double that total so we can better help those who suffer. There are three simple ways you can get involved in the GLMR cause: 1) Donate or become an event sponsor,2) Serve as volunteer, and/or 3) Help bring hope, healing, and happiness by riding with us and enjoying the sport that Gary had loved. The love that comes through friendship and community can make a powerful impact in others lives.Please join us at the GLMR for a ride you’ll never forget. WHEN: Saturday JULY 30th, 2011 REGISTRATION/CHECK IN: 6:00 - 7:00 am START TIME: 7:00 - 7:30 am REGISTRATION: Visit RideMybike.com or e-mail your PDF registration to glmrinfo@gmail.com REGISTRATION FEE: $45 to be paid at RideMybike.com or at check-in with PDF registration form REGISTRATION DUE: Friday, 22 July 2011 LATE REGISTRATION: Saturday, 23 July to Friday, 29 2011 I’d like to personally thank you for your contributions of time, work, and money. Because of your efforts, our last two GLMR events have been a success. And thanks to your willingness to contribute now, more lives can be touched—and even saved—in the coming year. HELP SUPPORT THE GLMR Your donation or sponsorship can go a long way toward helping those living with mental illness. Please contribute today. P.S. If you, a loved one, or a friend is struggling with mental illness, call NAMI Utah at (877) 230-6264 for information on treatment and recovery. If the issue is suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) immediately. Suicidal thoughts are as deadly as any disease and should always be taken seriously. Donate Now Register Volunteer
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