Keith Eckert
Fundraising on behalf of Guardian Revival, Inc.
Fundraising on behalf of Guardian Revival, Inc.
$304,854.24
Raised
38
Donations
$20,000
Goal
I am proud to join Guardian Revival, a (501(c)(3) Not-for-Profit organization, in the fight against veteran and first responder suicide. Suicide for these populations is by far the most feared enemy: more veterans die by suicide than in combat, and more first responders die by suicide than in the line of duty each year.
I will be representing Guardian Revival at the 2023 ITI 1000 for the second time. The ITI is the world's longest and toughest winter endurance race. Every year the Iditarod Trail is different, and conditions change in the blink of an eye during the journey. I will be racing in temperatures ranging from -50F to 35F, gale force winds, rain, blizzard conditions, waist-deep snow, mud, glare ice, and bright sunny skies - which can occur all in the same day.
To reiterate how severe this mental health epidemic is, here are some statistics:
• An average of 20 veterans die by suicide every day in the United States.
• More first responders die by suicide than in the line of duty every year.
• Since 2018, military veteran suicides have increased to nearly twice the rate of nonveterans.
• Veterans between 18 and 34 are three times more likely to die by suicide than their nonveteran counterparts.
Stigmas related to mental health treatment among veterans and first responders make it even more challenging to address this problem and stem in large part from their self-reliant, tough-it-out culture that marginalize those experiencing distress, ultimately dissuading individuals from seeking treatment.
Guardian Revival is a New York State 501(c)(3) Not-for-Profit organization chartered to provide opportunities, resources, and support at no cost to veterans & first responders to prevent suicide.
Guardian Revival's Three Core Programs:
Boots & Paws is a canine program that provides companion & service dogs to guardians in need. Researchers have accumulated a growing body of evidence supporting the powerful therapeutic effects of animal ownership. Ownership of a dog brings purpose and passion into an owner's life and demands elevated responsibilities and mutually beneficial companionship.
Another Summit is our outdoor adventure program. Both personal experience and research have validated the therapeutic benefits of nature. Over the past several decades, researchers have rigorously investigated the impact that contact with nature has on human health and well-being. This effort has resulted in numerous studies documenting the diversity of benefits related to exposure to natural environments, including significant improvements on psychological health, mood, focus, coping abilities, and overall well-being.
Another Summit provides guardians with the foundation for a healthy, purposeful life through structured outdoor activities such as hiking, backpacking, and paddling adventures in the Hudson Valley Region of New York.
Guardian Encore provides guardians with musical opportunities — individually, together, and with the broader community.
Over 70 years of research and focused studies make clear the positive impact, and relevance music and music therapy can have on individuals.
Our music program provides our guardians with opportunities to learn, write, play, record, and share music through three avenues: Guardian Jams, Guardian Tracks, and Guardian Retreats.
Please join us in the fight against veteran & first responder suicide.