Globally, the rate of suicide is alarmingly high, particularly in men. Too many men are trying to ‘tough it out’.  Keeping their feelings to themselves and struggling in silence.  Way to often this only leads to a greater sense of failure and further into depression.  It is a snowball that leads down a horrific route.  The Movember Foundation is aiming to reduce the rate of male suicide by 25% by 2030, and I am pushing to help get them there.

In addition to basic awareness and my mighty mo, I am also pledging to complete 50 push-ups daily throughout the month.  With additional push-up for those donations exceeding $50.  

Last year I raised over $650 and completed a whopping 3400 pushup in just over two months.  This year I have set the bar higher with a minimum of 1500 push ups and a donation goal of $1500 – all during November.  Please support the Movember team by supporting a Mo growing Bro, and lets change the face of men’s health together.

In additional to mental health, the Movember Foundation also supports research and assistants to prostate and testicular cancers, as well as other men’s health programs.  Read more at: Movember Foundation

Together, let’s get men the help they need.

Poem by Veronika J.
Published on February 2008

It happened 6 months ago
Though it seems like yesterday
I remember it clearly
It was a cold autumn day
You told me you loved me
Then left through the door
3 bags and a suitcase was all you carried
As you got in your car and drove more and more
Wet tears ran down my cheek
As I heard your last car beep
I knew the fun times and the games were over
No more kisses at night no more bear hugs when I’m sober
No more laughing in front of a warm blazing fire
No none of that because you’re a cold hearted liar
For 13 years you only cheated and swore
You weren’t the daddy figure I would adore
You tried your best to be a good dad
But somehow at the end of the day I would end up being sad
When I was younger it was easier
I was put into a your arms and you held me tight
You would never let go if I were scared at night
But all those moments are just pale memories
Because of you I was left on the bottom of a hole
I had to find my own way out.
It wasn’t easy but I survived
Because my mum and my sister were by my side
I have just one more thing to say
As you live with your new wife, just remember
You gave a 13-year-old girl life
And it doesn’t matter what you feel or did
She is still your little kid.

Source: Family Friend Poems