Continuing the Conversation
What is Surf the Earth?
Photo Credit Jonathan Stone
Surf the Earth MHC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization initiated by Ali Patrick committed to raising awareness about mental illnesses and stopping the stigma.
Our Vision is to strive for a world where mental illness is destigmatized, fostering a compassionate society that embraces all individuals.
Our Mission is to promote understanding, dismantle stigma, and cultivate an inclusive world where mental health is embraced by offering support, resources, and an empathetic community for individuals and their families.
“After my daughter’s death, I knew my sweet Ali wanted me to continue her conversation by helping people and to stop the stigma about mental illness. ”
— Tammy Patrick AKA mom
SURF the EARTH’S VALUES
Caring Community
We engage in active listening and uplift our community. We prioritize collaboration and understand that our ideas benefit from input across different levels within the organzation and community. By supporting each other, we guarantee that every voice is acknowledged and valued.
Compassionate and Empathetic
We encourage empathizing with others' perspectives and showing compassion to those encountering challenges. By fostering an environment of understanding and kindness, we can create a community where individuals feel valued and supported. This not only strengthens our connections but encourages personal growth and mutual respect. Together, we can build a more inclusive world where differences are celebrated, and individuals have the opportunity to thrive. Through small acts of kindness and genuine care, we can significantly impact the lives of those around us.
Genuinely Authentic
Our communication and behavior are authentic: approachable, comforting, and pragmatic. We acknowledge that everyone may experience mental health issues, and we connect with our community just as they are. The community we engage with embraces their complete identity and is valued for their insights – including their personal experiences. Everyone is invited, and our communication style validates this inclusivity.
Keeping Ali’s Dream Alive
Ali is a luminary—her radiant and compassionate soul was full of life and deeply valued friendships. Her caring nature made her an embodiment of love and light in this world. Heartbreakingly, at just 23 years old, she left us too soon and completed suicide in the wake of a sudden and unanticipated mental illness. Ali's inherent generosity was evident when she founded Surf the Earth MHC before her untimely departure. She envisioned it as a platform for her ski community and her friends who shared her passion for outdoor adventure sports, intending to create an open and free space for communication. As we honor Ali, we share a snapshot of her remarkable journey and enduring legacy.
Surf the Earth MHC is now a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization spearheaded by Ali before her untimely departure, intended to shed light and stop the stigma on mental illness. Your generous support will aid in perpetuating Ali's mission to raise mental health awareness and effect positive change in the lives of others.
Ali’s light may have dimmed, but her legacy will forever shine brightly in the lives she touched and the hearts she warmed. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
What Can You Do?
"Remember to stay true to you, and always honor yourself.
Never make yourself smaller for anyone. You are enough just as you are.
You are enough on your hardest days, face full of acne, belly rolls dancing, moody and brilliant, tears rolling, you are enough. Continue to surround yourself with people who allow and encourage you to be your most authentic self. Life will never be the same if you continue to show up for yourself, love yourself, and take care of yourself.
Please choose to love yourself because there is no one else quite like you.”
- Ali P. Aug 2022