SAVE through Spartan

Want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money to benefit Suicide Awareness - Voices of Education, SAVE and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me. - Dan

How: I will be competing in the Spartan Ultra World Championships in Telluride, CO on October 10th. While the race is a 24 hour event where competitors battle steep terrain and navigate strenuous obstacles, this battle pales in comparison to those who are battling depression and suicidal ideations. In the weeks leading up to the race, I hope to raise $5,000 for SAVE, and help them continue to make a lasting impact through suicide awareness. (None of the money raised will go towards my trip to Telluride, or cover any expenses for the race. All proceeds will go directly to SAVE!)

Why Suicide Awareness: Just over a year ago, my Dad lost his 30 year battle with alcoholism. He had lived a life that was a revolving door of alcohol abuse, and eventually he succumbed to his addiction. He took his own life shortly after taking our mother's life as well. While this tragedy struck the Ellis family hard, it was a wake up call that hundreds of thousands of families around the world also experience the same grief that we did. Approximately 700,000 people across the world commit suicide each year, which is roughly 1 person every 40 seconds. Yes, in the time it takes for you to tie your shoes, a valuable life had decided it wasn't valuable enough to stick around for their families, friends, and most importantly themselves. This harrowing statistic MUST be changed, and every small contribution to SAVE is a step in the right direction.

As a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army, I have the incredible responsibility as a Platoon Leader to lead some of the finest Paratroopers our nation has to offer. This is a job that I find tremendous honor in, and caring for those around you while in service takes place at a level higher than any other profession. Unfortunately in the military for both retired veterans and active service members, Suicide is a sweeping pandemic that takes some of the strongest warriors, brothers, sisters, fathers, and mothers away from us. More Military personnel have succumbed to suicide in the past year than combat related deaths. This is a war we are all fighting from home, and with the proper resources we can save our nation's Soldiers the same way many of them have saved us.

Between losing my parents through alcoholism charged suicide and serving in the military where far too many Soldiers are stolen from our ranks, Suicide Prevention is a cause that I am incredibly passionate about, and organizations like SAVE really and truly NEED our help. Please be a reason why someone decides that they ARE worth it.

When: The race takes place on October 10th, 2021, which is when we hope to meet our fundraising goal!

More information about Suicide Awareness - Voices of Education: SAVE is the leading national suicide prevention organization working to prevent suicide through public awareness and education. Our expertise and capacity come from more than 25 years of developing the state of art suicide prevention programming and providing leadership around the nation and throughout the world. Our mission is to prevent suicide through public awareness and education, reduce stigma and serve as a resource for those touched by suicide.