Live 4 Tomorrow Today focuses on extinguishing the stigma surrounding mental health
Like many who launch a nonprofit organization, Malory Spring has her own experience and story to tell.
In 2014, her significant other died by suicide, and Spring remembers the traumatic aftermath that followed.
“He was buried on Feb. 17, and I was in therapy on Feb. 18. Thankfully, my uncle found a great therapist for me and I started my journey right away,” Spring said. “I went back to Penn State and earned a degree in social work and now I am a therapist in mental health and substance abuse.”
At the time, one thing that struck Spring and her family was their lack of knowledge concerning the help available in Fayette County.
“It’s important to me to find ways to bridge events and the agencies that can help others in our community,” Spring said. “You might not need them now, but at least you’re aware of them if needed.”
While Live 4 Tomorrow Today has been in the planning stages for nearly 10 years, Spring used free time during the pandemic to officially turn it into a nonprofit.
An annual 5K was the first event for the organization.
During the first weekend of September, in recognition of National Recovery Month and National Suicide Prevention Month, anyone can sign up to run or walk a 5K. Through that, Spring said, many participants want to honor or recognize a loved one.
“We try to personalize this event as much as possible,” she said. “It’s very centered around who you’re walking for and we personalize every event t-shirt with your loved one’s name on the shirt.”
Not only does it give participants a personalized reminder of the event, for Spring, the personal touch helps emphasize the importance of the issue and each person who was lost to or is recovering from mental health struggles or addiction.
“I help make the shirts with my mom and dad and we know every single runner/walker out there and who they are walking for,” Spring said. “You’re not just walker No. 154, there’s a specific person we’re doing this for.”
In May, Live 4 Tomorrow Today hosts a car show called Burn Out the Stigma.
The typical car show events occur, including food trucks, trophies and basket raffles, but Spring has also added nearly 20 booths focused on agencies that work in the mental health and drug and alcohol fields.
Guests at the show can pick up educational resources and hear numerous speakers throughout the day, sharing hope, strength and their experiences.
With two successful, annual events under her belt, Spring says she isn’t done.
“I have so many ideas, and I’m excited our nonprofit is officially on its way,” Spring said. “The purpose of each event is to spread awareness, educate and support others through this process.”
When asked about her main mission or goal, Spring hesitates because there simply isn’t one single answer.
“Whatever they need. If you need a mental health therapist, let’s find one for you. If you need transportation to a drug and alcohol outpatient treatment program, let’s get the transportation lined up,” Spring said. “Ultimately, I want to start a conversation and share hope.”
For more information, visit http://www.l4tt.org/ or reach out to Spring through Facebook or Instagram.