Ride Above Mental Illness - one person at a time

CooperRiis is pleased to welcome Jeremiah back to our community. After cycling over 1825.3 miles, Jeremiah is coming home. Thank you for your courage and bravery as you Cycled Above Mental Illness, raising $8,979 to support CooperRiis' Healing mission. Jeremiah's story reached thousands of people and helped to destigmatize and raise awareness for people with mental health challenges. WE can't wait to welcome Jeremiah back to CooperRiis!

CooperRiis is no longer accepting donations for this campaign, should you want to make a donation in Jeremiah's honor, please visit https://www.cooperriis.org/donate/

-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jeremiah's Story

At the start of my sophomore year, I felt off. I struggled to get myself to class and attend activities that I once found joy in. My depression, anxiety and paranoia had begun to take over my life. I stopped going to class and struggled to leave my apartment. My symptoms became worse, so I withdrew from college.

This is Jeremiah’s story. He sought treatment and learned that rhythmic exercise was a crucial aspect of his recovery, giving him new direction in life and, ultimately, leading to his work as a Senior Recovery Coach at CooperRiis.

CooperRiis is a residential healing community and progressive transitional living program for adults with mental health challenges. Jeremiah’s participation in The Tour Divide, a 2,745 self-paced bicycle race from Banff, Canada to Antelope Wells, New Mexico is the inspiration behind this wellness fundraising campaign to break the stigma of mental health and raise funds for CooperRiis.

“Now it’s time to give back, and hopefully inspire others to follow my journey and plan their own wellness activity on behalf of CooperRiis. I love the act of giving. It fills my soul with purpose and joy. I chose CooperRiis as my fundraising recipient for several reasons. Firstly, I work at CooperRiis and get to see the power of recovery unfolding there every day. The residents I work with are challenged to dig deep and tap into uncomfortable places that their bodies and minds have often shielded them from. Secondly, the Tour Divide course will require me to be very mindful and intentional and to look after myself in the ways that CooperRiis’s seven recovery domains ask of our residents.” -Jeremiah Reiner

Supporters can donate to Jeremiah’s ride on a per mile basis or be inspired to start their own fundraiser. You can walk, bike, swim or run to help break the stigma of mental illness.

Please join us on this inspiring health and wellness journey as we work together to overcome challenges and spread awareness of mental health recovery!