IWP Ride Against Suicide

06/17/2026

🎉MEET THE CREW: Steven and Michell!

For those who have met us at our rest stops during the Ride know it’s a little organized chaos. We have an approximate time set when we arrive, but no one knows exactly when until they see the es**rt of emergency vehicles coming down the road. At the stop, we do our best to achieve our mission while fueling up for the next leg. We knew the communities and those who serve(d) deserved better.

When I saw Steven attend city council meetings earlier this year advocating for mental health awareness and resources for our First Responders, with Michell close by, I knew he was our guy to fill this gap!

Steven, our bearded cold plunge loving 22 daily pushups achiever, will be our lead car and arriving at our stops ahead of us to greet you and further our mission. With Steven being a retired Lt with the Farmington FD, and Michell’s front row seat as a significant other to a First Responder, there is no doubt their experience and compassion will fill the missing link in the RAS!

Thank you, Steven and Michell, for your willingness to join us and those IWP serves!

Take Care and Stay Tuned!

Brandon

06/10/2026

🎉MEET THE CREW: Austin & Molly🎉

Whether they like it or not, we’re all stuck with each other 😆 Austin has been like a brother to me for 20 years, always there when I needed someone. Well, I’m sure he regrets at times answering my call that evening in March, 2024 when I told him of my plan for this bike tour.

These two have been an amazing part of this mission, both of them complimenting each other not only here, but in life! They recently organized the pancake breakfast and did not hesitate to get to work that day (Photo 2).

During the Ride, Austin is our mechanic, photographer (Photo 3), and our guy who keeps me grounded when needed.

These two serve their community as well. Austin is a local firefighter (who also finds time to train and achieve his personal goals), and Molly works with the city to keep it thriving and provide events that are family friendly and engaging.

Thank you, Austin & Molly, for your dedication and commitment to the RAS, your family, and community!

Stay Tuned!

Brandon

06/08/2026

This happened 7 years ago today, I remember this like it was yesterday. Was early to get the kids so Nicole and I decided to take this exit which we’ve never taken before. As we approached the road, I noticed the other vehicle in the middle of the intersection damaged. Looking around, saw this truck in the far ditch with white smoke. Another bystander was ready to help and we approached the truck together. Driver was belted, passenger was not and he was turned around in his seat with his leg trapped, he was also about 6’ tall and pushing 350lbs.

Went to the driver side and saw the flames under the hood, told the driver it was on fire and he started to exit out the sunroof. The bystander said the passenger was trapped so we switched sides.

I remember wrapping my arms around the passenger and giving them one big pull, nothing. Gave it another try, they came out and I lowered him to the ground next to it. A garbage truck came by and provided a tarp. Myself and a different bystander rolled the passenger on the tarp and pulled them up to the road.

The fire then took the truck minutes after.

First Responders are never fully off duty.

Stay Tuned,

Brandon

06/06/2026

All set up to welcome the riders back at the Tour de Pepin! If you’re in the Lake City area and want to learn more about Invisible Wounds Project and the IWP Ride Against Su***de, please stop by! We will be located at Ohuta Park until 5 today!

06/06/2026

Good Morning from
Tour de Pepin! No worries, we’re used to the fog!

Top pic➡️today
Bottom pic➡️2025 Day 1

06/04/2026

Last week and again last night, our community lost two local first responders to su***de. We have also lost others to medical issues. These losses are heartbreaking reminders that the wounds many carry are not always visible.

As we recognize PTSD Awareness Month, we ask our community to help stop the stigma surrounding mental health and trauma. PTSD does not discriminate. It affects military members, law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, corrections, dispatchers, frontline medical professionals, and their families. Too often, those who spend their lives helping others struggle silently themselves.

It is important that we learn to recognize the signs of struggle, have the courage to check in on one another, and create spaces where asking for help is seen as a sign of strength, not weakness.

At Invisible Wounds Project, we are committed to supporting those carrying invisible wounds. In addition to peer support, groups, and resources for our members, we also offer community education opportunities, including ASIST su***de intervention training and our Grief & Su***de Survivors Group.

Awareness is important, but action saves lives. Together, we can help break the stigma, start conversations, and remind those who are hurting that they are not alone.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. There is hope, there is help, and there is a community ready to stand beside you. ❤️ 855-HELP-IWP (435-7497)

06/04/2026

06/03/2026

THANK YOU!

06/02/2026

𝑷𝑻𝑺𝑫 𝑨𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑴𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒉.

A reminder that not all wounds are visible.

Some are carried quietly behind a smile, behind a uniform, behind an "I'm fine" when things are anything but fine.

PTSD can look like sleepless nights, hypervigilance, anxiety, isolation, anger, guilt, or memories that refuse to stay in the past. It can affect relationships, careers, and everyday life. It can make someone feel disconnected from the people they love and alone in a crowd.

At Invisible Wounds Project, we serve military members, veterans, police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, frontline medical staff, corrections professionals, 911 dispatchers, and their families. These are the people who answer the call, run toward crisis, witness tragedy, and carry burdens that most will never fully understand.

Many of them return home with wounds that cannot be seen.

This month, we want those carrying the weight of PTSD to know that what you are feeling is real, your struggles matter, and you do not have to carry them alone.

There is hope. There is healing. And there is a community ready to stand beside you every step of the way.

If you need support, reach out to Invisible Wounds Project. Whether you are looking for resources, peer support, professional connections, or simply a place where people understand, we are here.

You are not alone.

❤️