Addressing mental health is a marathon, not a sprint.
Dalles Bersgma, a farmer and member of the Dawn Euphemia Fire Department, took his own life on November 23, 2020.
Now his brother, Dustin Bergsma, is looking to raise awareness and money to support mental health initiatives in the first responder and agricultural communities, in memory of Dalles.
"Everything was idyllic on the surface and no one anticipated how our family would be shattered in one devastating moment," said Bergsma. "None of us comprehended the level of the gnawing stress Dalles felt in his farming occupation lurking under his bright smile. No one was included in the silent anguish he shouldered over the trauma he witnessed in his First Responder role with his quick verbal dismissal of its impact."
Bergsma said his family was unaware of the compounding effect that farmers can face while working in isolation or in dealing with more of the administration requirements from off-farm agencies.
He said they were also unaware of the memories or images that can haunt those who put the lives of others first as firefighters and first responders.
On June 17, Bergsma will be hosting the first-ever Hard Miles Run at Mitchell's Bay. He said residents can walk, run, or roll through a 5-kilometre or 10-kilometre course.
All the proceeds raised will go towards two organizations, the Three Oaks Cabin Build and I’ve Got Your Back 911.
Anyone interested in registering for the fundraiser can do so by visiting the event's website.
The event is set to start at 10 a.m.