Project Endure: An Epic Journey for Mental Health

Thank you in advance for checking out my fundraiser, your time and attention are appreciated.

My name is Ryan and I am embarking on an epic quest in June 2025 to complete the world’s longest triathlon. The Enduroman Arch to Arc Triathlon begins at the Marble Arch in London and finishes at the Arc de Triomphe in France, covering over 295 miles (475km) by way of foot, sea, and bicycle to raise money for Mental Health Advocacy and Suicide Prevention.

My story:

(trigger warning: suicide/self-harm)

Born the youngest of five kids to a wonderful family in Philadelphia my childhood was as great an experience as I could as for from my incredible parents. Yet something always seemed wrong with me. Despite having a happy childhood and typically appearing as cheerful as a little boy should be; I’ve dealt with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and suicidal ideation for as long as I can form memories. Childhood was still good despite my struggles, but in high school keeping my mental health together became a tremendous concern after struggling with self-harm and suicide. My mental health journey got better after high school until I hit my rock bottom in early 2022.

Early 2022 met me with a move to Florida to begin a job in a new state with minimal friends and family around a few weeks after the end of a serious relationship. A job I ended up quitting in under two weeks, leaving me lost, scared, hurt, and more depressed, anxious and suicidal than ever.

As I fought my way through the darkness of my own mind through a variety of perseverance, habit building, mindfulness, and as much help as I could get, I finally began to find enough small ways to get better enough to make a big difference. Though I would still have my moments (and absolutely still do!), I continue to get a lot better over time by using the resources I had available to me, for which I'll forever be lucky and grateful to have. It is through my own journey and the gratitude I have for being so presently happy and healthy, that I wish to do everything I can to alleviate the suffering of others.

The pinnacle of my mental health came in July of 2023, where some of you came to this page already to support me as I raced the Trident soft sand 40 mile ultramarathon. My experience at the trident was transcendent and indescribable, and the fact I finished 3rd overall seemed to point to the fact that I was built for this. What I realized while racing and fundraising for the Trident was that using fundraising as an avenue to extend my passion for endurance racing opened a potential for a deeper and more altruistic purpose outside myself than I ever thought possible. The thought that I can use my voluntary suffering through training to help alleviate the struggles of others like me is one that continues to resonate deeply with me. I had known and followed the Arch 2 Arc Triathlon for a few years prior, but once I crossed the finish line at the Trident, I already knew what was next.

So please, follow me on this journey as I train for my Arch to Arc Triathlon and try to do so while setting a new record time. My slot for the Arch to Arc is June 21-30th, 2025. I look forward to pushing myself and sharing my journey with you all along the way!

Thank you, I love you,

Ryan