On June 14, local volunteers will host Climb Out of the Darkness as part of the world's largest event raising awareness of maternal mental illnesses such as postpartum depression (PPD), anxiety, OCD and psychosis. As part of the climb, survivors all over the world - dubbed Warrior Moms - are organizing to climb, hike or walk at a local mountain or park to symbolize their collective rise out of the darkness and stigma of maternal mental illnesses, as well as to raise funds for Postpartum Progress, a non-profit organization and online community of support resources for women around the world.
The Durango climb will be held at Animas Mountain Trail at 10 a.m. on Sunday, June 14. All participants must register beforehand at www.crowdrise.com/kellymacniven-cotd2015/fundraiser.
Sponsorships from local businesses are also being accepted. Please contact local Climb Leader, Kelly MacNiven, at 970-946-7279 or kellymirandaphotography@gmail.com for more information on sponsorships that will help support the Climb.
"This event is so important to our overall cause and our growing community of Warrior Moms, as it grants both the visibility that they so richly deserve," said Katherine Stone, the founder of Postpartum Progress. "Your local Warrior Mom is rallying together friends, family, the healthcare community and other survivors to celebrate their journeys rather than feel ashamed of them, therefore reducing the stigma associated with these health issues. We hope that at least one mom who is currently suffering feels empowered to get the help she needs from our efforts. That would make it worth it for us."
This is the third annual Climb Out of the Darkness, always held around the longest day of the year to shine the most possible light on maternal mental illness. In 2014, more than 1,500 participants joined climbs in seven countries around the world, up from 200 participants in the inaugural 2013 Climb.
The 2015 goal is to raise more than $200,000 to support Postpartum Progress. As of April 3, $20,000 has been raised, and Team Durango has raised $60. Funds raised from this event will allow the organization to create new educational materials to be used by obstetricians, pediatricians and others, as well as new materials to help educate the media on the public health impact of postpartum depression and related illnesses on mothers and children.
Animas Brewing Company is offering a free pint to the first 25 members to register for the Durango climb.
For questions about the Climb Out of the Darkness, visit http://postpartumprogress.org/climb-out-of-the-darkness/cotd-faq/ or contact the Durango climb leader, Kelly MacNiven, at 946-7279 or kellymirandaphotography@gmail.com.
