I'm just a Georgia girl who is going to drive 1,481 miles (and gain 8,483' of elevation) to arrive at the base of Copper Mountain, Colorado, for the second year in a row, to join rad people riding for a rad cause: Children's Hospital Colorado, July 20-21, 2025.
I am riding with the "Psyched To Climb" team. And we ride to raise awareness and critical funds for Colorado youth struggling with mental health. Why?
In 2021, a State of Emergency for pediatric mental health was declared by Children's Colorado. The mental health crisis in Colorado continues to challenge children and families. Suicide is a leading cause of death among among Colorado youth ages 10-19. Now, 40% of teens in CO struggle with mental health challenges and less than 50% will ever receive ANY form of treatment. We've seen a 64% increase in mental health visits from 2019 to 2021 and 215% increase in suicide plans and attempts in their Emergency Department.
The Psyched to Climb team airs to drive awareness and financial support for the care of children and families who require early prevention, ongoing therapy, and access to the medical professionals who can make a difference for kids who need it most. Akin to the Butterfly Effect, we are striving to affect larger changes in our communities. We all have the power to change our culture around mental heal. Please help us to Break the Stigma!
If you are able to support this great cause and my adventure, please make a donation under my name: Shannon Kimoto / Psyched to Climb Team. Your support will give me the strength for this ride. May the force be with me!