Why We Ride
In April of 2021 we lost our son, brother and friend, Jamie. Those around him watched as his demons carried him farther and farther away. He was struggled with his mental health for years and eventually lost his battle. We tried everything to get him the help he needed but we just hit so many roadblocks. After he passed we were struggling in our own grief as well as left wondering how many others are out there struggling just like Jamie. Mental Illness is not something that can be cured, it's a constant uphill battle.
We found the CMHA Ride Don't Ride in May of 2021 and the cause hit really close to home. Not only was it something that we believed in but it was a way for us to honour Jamie's memory and help us in our grief. It felt good to have something that pushed us to look after ourselves.
Four years ago we decided to start off the CMHA Ride Don't Hide with a 3 day ride around Lake Simcoe during the month of May which is Mental Health Awareness month. We continued that tradition with 2 day round trip rides from Barrie to Blue Mountain, Peterborough to Campbellford, and last year from Bowmanville to Peterborough. Along our journeys we have come across many people who are either struggling themselves or have stories about loved ones.
This year we are trying to encourage more of our friends and family to join us. We are riding in memory of those who have lost their fight with mental illness, for those who are struggling, to break the stigma surrounding mental illness and for our own mental health.
Please read below to find out why each of our riders are participating, and what it means for them. Also feel free to fill in our form below and tell us why YOU are joining us!
Tell Us why You're Riding!
Please tell us why you are choosing to participate in or support the Butterfly Mental Health Ride. Millions of Canadians are impacted by mental health and we would like to know your story. Please give us a few days after submitting before it gets posted to our site. Thank you for sharing!
Why We Ride
Stories From Our Riders
Elaine
I am Jamie's mom and I ride for my son. I couldn't help him with his fight while he was alive, but in his name I am trying to do something to help just one person to know they are not alone. You are forever in our hearts my little butterfly. xo
Emma
I ride for my brother Jamie, who fought with mental illness for years before he passed in 2021. I am riding for myself as I've struggled with depression and CPTSD. I'm riding for those around me who are struggling with their own mental health. I'm riding in hopes that in my kids lifetime, help will be available for ALL those who need it and no one feels shame or judged for reaching out. I want a kinder world where we treat mental health with the same attitude we do other health ailments.
Andrew
I am Jamie's dad and I am riding because I miss him everyday. My wish is that no one else suffers the way Jamie suffered and other families don't have to go through what me and my family have gone through. I love you Jamie.
Eric
I have struggled a lot with ADHD and with the loss of multiple people close to me as well as watched many other friends and family struggle with their mental health. I ride for us all.
Ann
I am a friend of the family and knew Jamie his whole life. He was a very special young man. I ride in his memory and to support the cause of mental health awareness.
Ashley
I'm riding for people who continue to struggle with mental illness and people who have lost the battle to mental illness. Everyone has or is currently struggling with some form of mental illness and I want it to be something that people aren't afraid to share, talk about or look for help without judgement. We are all in this together!