Ride aims to raise awareness of, prevent suicide
The first "Remember Me: Tina's Ride for Suicide Prevention" takes place this Sunday in Gurnee, in memory of Tina DiCosola, who took her life in 2004. DiCosola's aunt and uncle, Theresa and Dan Oldham, have organized the fundraiser motorcycle ride to raise money, and awareness about the causes of suicide and how it can be prevented.
Theresa Oldham tells us what you need to know about Sunday's ride.
Q. How long has this event been in existence? How has it changed, and what is new this year?
A. This is the first year.
Q. What charity does this benefit? Who are the sponsors, or big donors who make the event possible?
A. It will be benefiting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. My husband and I decided do this event to raise money and to let people know that mental illness is a disease, and suicide is a result of the disease. So many people don't understand it. The event is sponsored by the Oldham family. Thanks to Phil DiCosola and other local businesses for their kind donations.
Q. Why is the charity important to you? Is there a specific person who inspires you?
A. This is important to me because my niece Tina DiCosola took her life in 2004 and I want people to know this is not something you just wake up one morning and do. It is a disease and it starts with depression. For years I have been suffering from depression and there was a time when I was initially ashamed to discuss it. Only my closest friends knew about it. But now if I can help one person think it's OK to talk about it and to get help then I have done my job. I kept silent for so long when I would hear comments about suicide from people that were just ignorant to it. Comments like it's "a cop out" or "nothing in my life could be so bad that I would take my life." Well, clearly those people don't know anything about this disease, and this is why it needs to be talked about and brought out in the open. My husband, Dan, inspires me. He is the one who keeps me up when I get so down. He understands.
Q. Is there a fundraising goal?
A. I would love to raise $5,000.
Q. Are there specific or special activities taking place along with the fundraiser?
A. There will be food, music and raffles after the ride.
Q. Tell us about the volunteers and organizers who pull this together.
A. My husband and I are organizing the event. We have volunteers coming the day of the event to sign people in, serve food, sell raffle tickets and play music. Steve Moore, AFSP Illinois board member, will represent the foundation.
Q. Is there anything else we should know?
A. You don't have to ride a motorcycle to join us. You can come and pay $10 and listen to music and have some food. Music will start about 3 p.m.
<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p> <p class="News"><b>What:</b> Remember Me: Tina's Ride for Suicide</p> <p class="News"><b>When:</b> Sunday, Oct. 11. Registration begins at 9 a.m. First bike out, 11 a.m. Last bike in, 3 p.m.</p> <p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Ride starts and ends at the Gurnee American Legion Hall, 749 Milwaukee Ave.</p> <p class="News"><b>Cost:</b> $20 for the driver and $10 for the passenger. If you don't want to ride, you can pay $10 for food and music at the Legion Hall starting at 3 p.m.</p> <p class="News"><b>Benefits:</b> American Foundation for Suicide Prevention</p> <p class="News"><b>Donate:</b> You can go online at <a href="http://afsp.donordrive.com/participant/rememberme" target="new">afsp.donordrive.com/participant/rememberme</a> and search for Tina's Ride to Prevent Suicide to make an online donation to the event.</p> <p class="News"><b>More info:</b> Dan at (630) 843-1990 or Theresa (847) 421-8996. </p>