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24k in a Day

In 2010, as a senior in high school, I made my first attempt to end my life. Another was to follow. The next year I left college and was hospitalized, resulting in a diagnosis of Type 1 Bipolar Disorder and other mental illnesses. Other
hospitalizations lied ahead in my future and were just a few of the many traumatic experiences I have faced in my life.

In 2012, we lost our first classmate to suicide.

In 2015 I lost my best friend and classmate to drug overdose – the same year my mother was paralyzed from breaking her neck.

2017 brought the passing of my brother due to drug overdose.

Since the age of 13 I have struggled with addiction. The passing of my brother made that battle much harder. Poor choices led to my incarceration in 2018, which has ultimately led to my transformation. I now believe God truly does
have a plan for us all.

Unfortunately, just a month before I made my return home from prison last year,  St. Mary’s High School Class of 2011 lost its third soul to suicide. We all miss Donnie, Ryan, Valley, and Zak quite terribly.

It is now my mission to provide our community - especially our youth and those afflicted - with the resources they need to thrive. I tell you of all the tragedies I have experienced not to gain your sympathy but to provide an understanding. As a teenager I had a vision and dream of making an impact in our community and helping people. I planned to be successful, influential, and a trustworthy leader. My past actions may not reflect those early aspirations and for much of my adult life I have felt worthless, hopeless, and a failure.

I have been fortunate enough in my life to have access to mental healthcare, addiction treatment, housing assistance, and case-management. The support network I have amassed throughout my life from participating in social programs has been integral in allowing me what success I have been able to achieve. My experiences have taught me how to navigate these different processes and that it is okay – even necessary – to ask for help. I want others to not be ashamed of their pasts, circumstances, or poor choices. I hope to model to others that change is possible and that we all are capable of overcoming challenges. It is essential that together, we show each other that we are cared for, valuable, and a reason to be celebrated. I am determined to make sure that everyone in our community has a healthy outlet and positive support towards achieving success.

I plan to demonstrate my commitment to helping our community on July 10th by using my newfound health to attempt to set the Guinness World Record for most jumping jacks performed in 24 hours.

As I do not have much money to give, this is my donation towards a solution.

I am asking the rest of the community to support my mission by donating to our
4 featured charities, all who have played a significant role in my survival, transformation, and success.

With your help, we can inspire and work towards saving the lives of others. 

Graciously,

Reed Byers