Brandon Robinson’s Goals for Mental Health

A word from Brandon Robinson:

Morgan’s Message is a foundation created by the family & friends of Morgan Rodgers. Morgan was a standout Division 1 lacrosse player at Duke University. Unfortunately, in 2017 she suffered a serious knee injury, resulting in surgery and an extensive rehab program. The change in Morgan’s daily routine, the feeling of isolation from her teammates and the game she loved so much had Morgan feeling lost and alone. She put on a strong, brave & happy face while around others but inside she was struggling. Sadly, in 2019 Morgan took her own life at 22 years old.

This has become something that is far too common with athletes in general, especially student-athletes who are trying to find a balance between school, their sport, friends, family, work, etc., and I hope to be another voice that can help other athletes open up and find help if they need it.

Morgan’s Message® strives to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health within the student-athlete community and equalize the treatment of physical and mental health in athletics. They aim to expand the dialogue on mental health by normalizing conversations, empowering those who suffer in silence, and supporting those who feel alone.

I chose this foundation because I can relate to Morgan and so many others who show up everyday fighting a battle in their head they can’t explain. I played hockey in the Winter’s & lacrosse in the Summer’s for 16 years before I stopped playing hockey in 2018. While sports has taught me many valuable life lessons, it was also ingrained in me from an early age that you don’t show weakness. Being vulnerable is hard, and it can be even harder when you feel pressure to not let people see you struggling, but we are all human, and athletes are no different. Which is why I started this fundraiser, in hopes of helping anyone out there who can relate to Morgan or the countless other athletes who have struggled with their mental health. The first step is encouraging people to speak up and letting them know they are not alone. You can be an elite athlete and do the things you love while taking care of your mental health.

For each goal scored this NLL season, I will be donating $1 to Morgan’s Message — 1 goal = $1. NLL fans, athletes, and mental health advocates, I’d welcome your support of this fundraiser throughout the season. We are stronger together.