50 Miles, One Mission: Supporting Mens Mental Health

In America, every 7 minutes, a man takes his own life.

30.6% of men report suffering from depression at some point in their lifetime.

6 million men suffer from depression every year, yet male depression is often underdiagnosed.

Men are much less likely to seek help—only 1 in 4 who have daily feelings of depression or anxiety talk to a professional.

These numbers reflect a mental health crisis among men, and we want to do something about it.

Brought to Reality (BTR) is a clothing company started by Nick Bales in his sophomore year of high school. Before Nick tragically lost his own battle with mental illness, his message was clear:

"Life is precious, and I want to live every day to the fullest by being present, being myself, and following my dreams."

After Nick’s passing, BTR was converted into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation with a mission to help young adults who have the strength to admit that it’s NOT OK to suffer in silence. The foundation financially aids therapy sessions for those in need, empowering them to seek help.

We are four best friends—Maxwell Hughes, Callum Neher, Leander Schatz, and Callum Iverson—who have found solace in physical fitness amidst the challenges of everyday life, just as Nick did in creating Brought to Reality. We agree with and strive to embody Nick Bales’ message about life. As male sophomores in college, we have lost friends to mental health challenges and seen many more continue to struggle.

We want to help break the stigma around young men’s mental health by raising awareness and funds for Brought to Reality.

On December 23rd, 2024, we will run a 50-mile ultramarathon. Our mission is to raise a cumulative $100 per mile—totaling $5,000—for BTR. Every $100 you donate will contribute to approximately 1 therapy session for someone who needs it most. The BTR Foundation “financially aids therapy sessions to young adults that have shown the strength and admitted to themselves that it’s NOT OK to suffer in silence.”

Follow our journey on Instagram!

Maxwell Hughes: max_hughes_24

Callum Iverson: Callum.Iverson

Callum Neher: Callum.Neher

Leander Schatz: landoschatz

Brought To Reality Website