everybody isaSuperstar | Isabelle Chrun

Jerome Blais Biking 6500 km to Prevent Suicide

Suicide is a serious matter that haunts our society. I find it sad to know that there are people who are willing to give up on life. Trying to be empathic, I can understand that pressure is not always easy to handle. But then again, what is impossible to do?

I consider myself as an eternal optimistic: nothing is impossible. My friends sometimes call me a naive girl when I say that everything is gonna be alright. Others see me as a stubborn fighter because I refuse to lose (whether it is during sports, an argument or a Chinese chess game 象棋). One thing is certain, I rarely throw in the towel and I will always persevere.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to convince you to become a bad loser. I’m only realizing that there are many types of person in this world, and that on a certain level I can count myself as an extremely lucky girl. My life has been so great so far. I have success in school and in sports. I always meet warmhearted people wherever I go, even when I’m heading towards the other end of the planet.

Lately, I noticed some campaigns on the prevention for suicide. Have you watched this week’s episode of ‘House M.D’? If you haven’t, don’t worry, I won’t spill out the HUGE spoiler like one friend did to me (damn you!). But at the end of it, during the credits, they shared an organization for those with suicidal thoughts.

‘If you are in crisis and thinking about suicide, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

For general information about mental health issues, visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness‘

I find it wonderful to witness social responsibility by the mass media.

Furthermore, I have friends who are taking part in raising awareness for suicide prevention. I bought their promotion T-shirt on their website (altitude-sports.com) and I encourage you to do the same. Get your own ‘Suicide Action Montréal 6500 km à vélo‘ T-shirt.

more info about the cause:

Altitude-Sports.com invites you to support Jerome Blais as he cycles across Canada to raise awareness for suicide prevention. Encourage him by purchasing one of the 100% cotton t-shirts by BLANK, proudly made in Quebec.

In Quebec, suicide is the leading cause of death in men aged 20 to 39, as well as in women aged 25 to 29. Suicide Action Montreal (SAM) is an organization which, thanks to its many volunteers, works hard in the area of suicide prevention. SAM offers support to those with suicidal thoughts and their friends and families.

Please note that the entire expedition has been personally funded by Jerome. We are therefore asking for your generosity in supporting a very important cause, not to pay for a trip. All contributions, including the profits of t-shirt sales, will be donated to the SAM Foundation.

from Jerome Blais