5th Annual Suicide Awareness Run

By Rachel Venture

Death is a tough subject for anyone to discuss and yet it is the one thing all humans have in common. Death comes in many forms and almost always with heartache, pain and sadness for those left behind.

What we do with those feelings of grief and loss tend to define us as individuals. Some hide their grief to deal alone and at a later time. While others tend to let their emotions out in a relieving and audible manner. There are some who turn that grief and loss into a desire to help others feel less of that pain by taking action.

Grady Bakken lost his dear brother Guy Bakken to suicide in October of 2012.

Guy was an adventurous, fun-loving bachelor. He was fit, a successful CPA partner at a Denver firm and a world traveler. Grady would have never imagined that, on the inside, his brother was struggling with suicidal thoughts. “I mean, he was happy,” Grady said. “This could happen to anyone.”

After Guy’s death, with the help of his loving wife, Grady took his grief and found the strength to address suicide prevention. Five years ago, that strength came to fruition in the form of a group motorcycle ride and biking excursion that has raised money and spirits in our community.

On July 8 at 9:30 a.m., cyclists of all types and welcomed car enthusiasts can register for the 5th Annual Suicide Awareness Run at the 109 Bar & Steakhouse on Main Street in Lignite.

After breakfast and a brief tribute to Guy the bicycles will leave on the gravel trail to Wildwood Park. Hikers are also welcome to join.

At noon the spark plugs ignite and the group will head out on a 120 mile run, stopping in Columbus, McGregor, Noonan and Crosby before ending back at the 109 Bar & Steakhouse for dinner at 6 p.m..

Dinner will include a street dance with band Killing Smallz, a raffle and auction. Last year, the run made over $13,000 that was donated to The American Foundation for Suicide

Prevention and Firstlink, a suicide and crisis lifeline. Grady hopes to outdo that number this year.

Grady has chosen to help by celebrating the life of his beloved brother and helping to keep others from suffering the same fate. Grady said, “If we can help just one person, that makes it worth it. Don’t you think?”

Registration is $50 and all proceeds go to the AFSP. So shine up those Indians, grease up the bike bike chains and join in helping those in the darkness to come into the light.