On August 1, 2026, I left Oxford, Mississippi, with a skateboard and a backpack to travel more than 1,100 miles to New York City, skating and traveling on foot when necessary. The purpose of this trip is to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention in honor of my brother Justin, who died by suicide on September 3, 2024.

Since leaving Oxford, I’ve made my way through Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Along the way, I’ve met countless people who have stopped to ask what I’m doing, offered food, water, places to stay, rides, or encouragement, and shared their own experiences with mental health and suicide. Those conversations are reminders of why I’m doing this.

Justin introduced me to skateboarding at a young age, and it’s been a huge part of my life ever since. 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.

This journey is about encouraging more open conversations around mental health. 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.

I’m completing this trip as cost-efficiently as possible, spending most nights camping and occasionally staying in hotels when necessary because of weather, safety, or the lack of a place to camp. Your donation will help cover the costs of completing the journey, including but not limited to:

* Food and hydration
* Campground fees and occasional hotel stays
* Emergency expenses
* Documenting and sharing the journey

Any funds remaining after trip expenses will be donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and The Ben Raemers Foundation to support their work in mental health and suicide prevention.

I’m continuing to share photos, videos, stories, and updates from the road through this GoFundMe and my social media whenever possible.

Thank you to everyone who has donated, shared this fundraiser, reached out, or helped me along the way!

Thank you,
Skyler

Jennifer Trull Kienow

Janis Inman

Rachel Brown

Aubrey Upton

IRENE Lee

Anonymous

Ed Flemmons

Ann Lacey

Joy Ann Love

Barry Swan

George Willetts

Elizabeth Hawkins

Dee Ann Martin

Adam Powers

Skateboarding 1,100 Miles for Suicide Prevention

Skateboarding 1,100 Miles for Suicide Prevention

Still $9,127 to go. Help us build momentum.