What if a Few Hours a Month Could Save a Young Life?

What if one life could save another, or even hundreds, in a matter of just a few hours time? That's the story of each volunteer who brings an enormous amount of passion to Denver's Second Wind Fund, a non-profit organization that urgently connects suicidal teens with a therapist in their neighborhood-for free. Chris Mudron is one life that changes others. She volunteers her time, a few hours every week, to do whatever administrative tasks are needed, so that Denver's Second Wind Fund can continue to help save young lives.

"I volunteer with Second Windbecause they help teenagers that are unable to get the mental health care they need. They don't have a support network and/or insurance to cover the treatment they so desperately require," said Mudron.

"All my life I have suffered with bipolar disorder, but I am very fortunate.I have a wonderful family and network of friends along with excellent medical insurance allowing me to obtain the care Ineed. That kind of care allows me to lead a normal life, but what happens to the young people that do not have access to the care I receive? I volunteer for Second Wind to do what I can to help suicidal teens get mental health care like mine."

Second Wind Fund pays for counseling for youth under 19 contemplating suicide. The teens referred to Second Wind have little or no insurance and are immediately connected with a licensed mental health provider to receive enough therapy sessions to change suicidal thinking into enduring coping skills teens need to handle life's usual ups and downs.

Second Wind's results speak for themselves. With over 80 licensed mental health therapists in their care network, all working for free or at significantly reduced rates, the Second Wind Fund has had1,700 Denver-metro teens referred to their program. Statistics show a significant drop in teen suicide in counties where more than 100 kids have been helped by Second Wind. Currently 300 Denver-area schools have referred kids to Second Wind.

A major source of funding to pay for the therapy Second Wind provides comes from their annual walk, run, or ride event-the largest suicide prevention event in the nation. More than 300 volunteers, like Mudron, made that event possible.

"On a bi-weekly basis I help with database entry for Second Wind Fund, but during the walk/run/ride time I jump into action delivering brochures in the south part of the metro area and assisting with pre-registration events," said Mudron. "I also staff booths and make reminder calls to event participants and thank you calls to those who have donated. I love volunteering, because I believe every little deed goes toward raising the money that will save another young life."

Sunday, September 20th will markthe 8th year Second Wind has organized the event, in which every dollar raised goes to save approximately 500 Denver-area teens every year. Over the past seven years, participation has grown so much, its location has changed. Jefferson County Fairgrounds will host the annual community-fair style event where over 3,000 walkers, runners and riders can enjoy a full lunch, massages, face-painting, bounce house, and concerts. The Second Wind volunteers start early and work hard to ensure an enjoyable day for all participants.

"The annual event is really the pinnacle for me," says Mudron."It's a place where the entire community can take action to help solve a dark issue, but in a really fun, family-friendly environment. I remember being that young teenager with suicidal thoughts and I would have loved to have known that the community wanted me to stick it out."

What if your support of Second Wind could save a young life in your community? To find out how to get involved, contact The Second Wind Fund today. For more information,call 303-763-1775or visit www.swfmd.org.