SURF THE EARTH - HONOR ALI SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH

Alyssa (Ali) Rose Patrick, a radiant soul whose light shone brightly, graced this world on December 29, 1999, as the beloved daughter of Jim and Tammy Patrick and sister to Lucas. On October 3, 2023, Ali made an impulsive and heart-wrenching decision that forever altered the lives of those who loved her. In an impulsive moment of unimaginable pain, Ali's internal struggles led to her untimely passing on October 15, 2023, highlighting the real and urgent challenges posed by mental illness.

In honor of Ali's memory and her mission to spread awareness about mental health, especially Bipolar disorder, we have established a GoFundMe campaign. The funds raised here will be directed to Surf the Earth Mental Health Community (MHC), a platform initiated by Ali herself prior to her passing. Surf the Earth MHC is dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, providing support, resources, and a compassionate space for individuals and their families. It aims to foster a world where mental health is understood and embraced.

But Ali's story doesn't end there. She was not only a loving daughter, sister, and friend but also a cherished member of the skiing community. Ali's adventurous spirit and passion for freestyle skiing were palpable, making her a beloved figure within the skiing community nationwide. Her love for the slopes was infectious, and her impact on fellow skiers and friends was immeasurable.

The outpouring of love and support from the skiing community in the wake of her passing has been incredible. The consensus among those who knew her is clear: 'Love like Ali.' She left a legacy of spreading joy, kindness, and the simple pleasure of embracing life's beauty.

What set Ali apart was her extraordinary capacity for kindness, connection, and friendship. Her eclectic style, love for music, iconic hats, wearing bibs/overalls, hand-writing inspiring notes, passion for thrifting, bike rides, and infectious smile carried across mountains, transcending boundaries and touching the hearts of all those fortunate enough to share in her laughter. She loved to ask new friends, "What's one thing I would never guess about you?" Her one-of-a-kind energy inspired others to embrace life's joy and whimsy. Ali cherished the relationships she built, nurturing them with love and kindness. The outpouring of love following her passing is a testament to the profound impact she had on all those fortunate enough to cross her path during her brief but full 23 years on this earth.

Please consider contributing to this campaign to honor Ali's memory and continue her mission to raise awareness about mental health. Let's make a positive impact on the lives of others in her name. Together, we can ensure that Ali's light continues to shine brightly, even in her absence.

(Please go to https://www.instagram.com/p/CyT1bY4PZDr/?img_index=1 to see the outpouring of love and support from her friends, you will be amazed) Ali's Instagram handle is lilapplesauce:

Here is part of her bipolar story:

Ali's family visited her in Big Sky, Montana in March 2023 where she was currently residing and she was our loving, smiling, kind, and bright ray of sunshine. On April 22, 2023, Ali had a manic episode that seemed to come out of nowhere. She was diagnosed with Bipolar I with psychotic features and from that day on Ali hadn't been the same. This disease can be hereditary and hers was the age frame it can be activated. She had no prior incidents with mental illness before this all began.

Below is a message she had composed and never had a chance to send to her friends:

“Hello friends,

I haven’t known how to make this post but I feel as though it’s necessary.

I’ve been struggling every day now for the past 5 months.

It is scary, and unfair how quickly life can change.

As some of you may remember, I had a manic episode in April that came out of nowhere along with a bipolar 1 diagnosis.

I have never known much about mental illness and I never knew it could be something that could spring onto you one day with no warning.

What I’m experiencing right now is by far the most challenging thing I’ve ever had to endure.

I’m dealing with something called anhedonia which is the inability to feel joy, pleasure, love, comfort, and any other feel-good emotion, along with poverty of speech, flat affect (almost nonexistent expression of emotion), and severe depression.. and to be honest that isn’t even close to all I'm experiencing on a daily basis. This all may not sound like a big deal to most but it has been completely debilitating in every aspect of my life and truly unexplainable unless you go through it yourself.

I’m not sure why I feel the need to share this with all of you and I’m sure only a few will read this but the unfortunate truth is that my life will never be the same. Socializing is hard. Every day is hard and very painful. Know that I love you all and am trying my best.”

And boy did she try!! Every day we tried new things – gratitude journals, long walks, bike rides, going to the beach, picking fruit at the local farms, eating ice cream, and so much more! Not to mention therapy, many drug trials, and medical support.

As a family, we made the very difficult decision to allow her to pass peacefully. By doing so, we honored her wishes to be an organ donor through Gift of Life. Just one organ donor can save up to 8 lives and a tissue donor can improve the lives of hundreds of others. And all 8 organs were placed! (Read about this it's hard to do!) For those who know Ali, you know how proud and happy she would be that she could help so many people and touch so many lives. Please feel free to share stories, thoughts, and memories in the comments with her family and friends. This healing process is collective.

Ali’s light may have dimmed, but her legacy will forever shine brightly in the lives she touched and the hearts she warmed. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Help us to save lives and spread awareness for Ali lives on in all of us!

Ali leaves us with her wisdom: "Remember to stay true to you, and always honor yourself. Never make yourself smaller for anyone. You are enough just as you are. You are enough on your hardest days, face full of acne, belly rolls dancing, moody and brilliant, tears rolling, you are enough. Continue to surround yourself with people who allow and encourage you to be your most authentic self. Life will never be the same if you continue to show up for yourself, love yourself, and take care of yourself. Please choose to love yourself because there is no one else quite like you.”