Skyler King and family. (GoFundMe)
OXFORD — An Oxford man is preparing to skateboard more than 1,100 miles from Mississippi to New York City in honor of his late brother and to raise awareness for suicide prevention.
The journey, called “Push for Prevention,” is scheduled to begin Aug. 1 at the Oxford Skatepark and end on or before Sept. 3, the second anniversary of the suicide of his brother, Justin.
The recent University of Mississippi graduate said the trip will combine skateboarding with walking when necessary as he makes his way to New York, where he is preparing to relocate.
According to his GoFundMe campaign, the fundraiser was inspired by Justin, who taught him to skateboard when they were kids.
“Justin introduced me to skateboarding at a young age, and it has been a huge part of my life ever since,” he wrote. “After recently graduating from the University of Mississippi and preparing to move to New York, I realized I had a unique opportunity to make the transition in a way that honors my brother’s memory while supporting a cause that’s deeply personal to me.”
The campaign’s goal is to encourage open conversations about mental health and suicide prevention while helping reduce people’s resistance to seeking help.
“My hope is to help break the stigma surrounding mental health by reminding people that it’s okay to ask for help, see a therapist, and check in on one another,” he wrote.
The traveler said he plans to keep expenses as low as possible by camping at public campgrounds for most of the trip, using hotels only when severe weather or a lack of campsites makes them necessary.
Donations will help cover travel expenses, including food, hydration, campground fees, the occasional hotel stays, replacement skate shoes and equipment, emergency costs, and documenting the journey through photos and videos.
Any money remaining after travel expenses will be donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and The Ben Raemers Foundation, organizations that support mental health and suicide prevention initiatives.
In addition to financial contributions, the campaign encourages supporters to share the fundraiser, follow the journey on social media, or connect the traveler with people along the route who may be able to provide lodging, meals or local guidance.
He plans to post updates throughout the month-long trip on Facebook and Instagram.
