Stronger Together: Reflecting on Shred the Stigma Weekend
We are stronger when we Shred Together
April 10, 2025
As the northern air settles back into its peaceful rhythm at Boyne Mountain Resort, we find ourselves reflecting on the incredible three days we shared during our Shred the Stigma weekend. From Friday's moving film screening to Sunday's mindful activities, each moment was filled with connection, compassion, and courage—exactly what Ali envisioned when she emphasized "connection, connection, connection" as the heart of Surf the Earth MHC.
Where Powder Meets Purpose
"Shred the Stigma is where powder meets purpose," as our event description promised, and we witnessed this powerful combination in action throughout the weekend. The slopes became more than just a place for winter sports—they transformed into pathways for open conversation, healing, and community building.
Friday evening began with an unforgettable opening address from Board Member and Vice President Drue Wright that set the tone for the entire weekend. Drue welcomed everyone to the screening of "Mountain in My Mind 3" and shared Ali Patrick's story—how this vibrant freestyle skier with a gift for authentic connection faced a sudden Bipolar I diagnosis at age 23, battling courageously through a brief but intense five-month journey before her transition in October 2023.
Drue’s words resonated deeply as he explained what it truly means to "Shred the Stigma":
"Just as Ali fearlessly carved her path down mountain slopes, we're here to cut through the silence, shame, and misconceptions surrounding mental health conditions. To shred the stigma means to openly discuss mental health with the same compassion and understanding we give to physical health. It means creating spaces where people feel safe saying, 'I'm not okay' without fear of judgment."
He offered a powerful perspective that would become a touchstone throughout the weekend—comparing mental health care to treating a physical injury like a broken arm. Both deserve the same level of attention, professional support, and time to heal, without shame or hesitation.
We Are Stronger When We Hold Each Other Up
One of the evening's most profound moments came during an interactive exercise that Drue led to illustrate the concept of support. Participants stood and extended their arms straight out to the side, noticing how vulnerable and easily moved their arm was on its own. Then, they moved closer to the person next to them and placed a hand on each other's shoulders while keeping their arms extended.
The difference was immediately apparent—with that foundation of support, each arm became much more stable and stronger. Drue explained, "This is exactly what we're building at Surf the Earth—a community where we support each other through challenges. When we face mental health struggles alone, we're like that unsupported arm—vulnerable, easily overwhelmed. But when we connect, when we support each other, we create stability and strength that can withstand life's pressures."
Drue shared Ali's own words about mental health from writings she began in her final months: "I've never known much about mental illness, and I never knew it could be something that could spring onto you one day with no warning." These words reminded everyone why they had gathered—to continue the conversation Ali began and to create understanding where silence too often prevails.
The evening continued with a special video message from John Padilla, director of "Mountain in My Mind 3," followed by the film screening that explored topics including depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, and healing through the unique lens of mountain and snowsports culture. As we gathered in the Vienna Room, surrounded by resource tables and silent auction items, we could feel the energy of something special beginning to take shape.
The conversations and connections that started that night continued to deepen throughout the weekend.
Saturday's Workshops: Tools for Life's Mountains
Saturday brought a full day of workshops that gave participants practical tools and insights to navigate life's challenging terrain. From the mindful approach of "Pause, Breathe, Proceed" with Karen Wright and Kecia Freed to the powerful sessions on resilience, suicide prevention, and emotion management, attendees gained valuable resources that extend far beyond the slopes.
We're especially grateful to our workshop presenters: Karen Wright and Kecia Freed, Lisa Clavier, Kathy Snyder, and Kelley Worth. Each brought their expertise, personal experience, and compassion to create transformative learning experiences. As one participant shared, "I came for skiing but left with tools that will help me navigate my everyday life."
The afternoon's "Laps for Ali" honored the beautiful soul whose vision inspires everything we do at Surf the Earth MHC. The collective energy as we gathered to remember Ali reminded us all why this work matters so deeply. The evening bonfire, with music by the Shifties, s'mores, and heartfelt conversations, further strengthened our community bonds.
Sunday's Gentle Renewal
Sunday offered a gentler pace with opportunities for reflection and renewal. Meagan Krzywosinski guided us through yoga and a sound bath experience that helped integrate the weekend's emotional journey, while Angela Linsenman's Zentangle Art Workshop provided a creative outlet for self-expression.
The Zentangle workshop became one of the weekend's most beautiful metaphors for our mission. After participants created their individual art tiles using this meditative drawing method, Angela invited everyone to bring their pieces together to form a collaborative mosaic. As each unique tile found its place in the larger design, we witnessed a powerful visual representation of our community—distinct individuals coming together to create something greater than the sum of its parts.
"Just like these tiles," Angela noted as the mosaic took shape, "each of us brings our own pattern, our own story to this community. When we connect these pieces, we strengthen each other and create a more beautiful world."
The weekend concluded with the Banked Slalom event, which brought competitive fun while continuing to support our mental health initiatives. As participants cheered each other on—regardless of skill level—the spirit of connection that had been building throughout the weekend was palpable on the slopes.
The Community We Built
What made this weekend truly extraordinary wasn't just the activities—it was the community that formed around them. People arrived as individuals but left as part of something larger. We witnessed strangers becoming supporters, listeners becoming friends, and silent struggles finding voice in a safe space.
As we wrapped up our weekend together, we heard countless stories of the impact these three days had made:
"I've never felt comfortable talking about my anxiety before, but somehow on the mountain, with this community, it felt safe."
"Watching my teenager connect with others who understand what they're going through—I can't put into words what that means to us as a family."
"I came alone, nervous about not knowing anyone, and I'm leaving with phone numbers, social media connections, and plans to meet up for the MindAligned sessions."
Carrying the Community Forward
The true measure of our weekend's success won't be found in attendance numbers or funds raised (though we're grateful for both!). It will be in how this newly formed community continues to grow and thrive beyond the boundaries of our three days together.
We hope you'll join us in continuing these connections:
Attend our upcoming MindAligned Meetups (both in-person in Petoskey and virtual sessions)
Follow us on social media @surftheearthmhc
Share the resources from the weekend with others in your life
Practice the affirmations and tools we explored together
Remember Ali's powerful words: "You are enough just as you are. You are enough on your hardest days."
A Mountain of Thanks
None of this would have been possible without our sponsors, vendors, volunteers, presenters, and every single person who showed up with an open heart. Our sincere gratitude goes to:
Boyne Mountain for providing the perfect venue and support
Our Green Circle Sponsor, Mid-West Insurance Agency Mt. Pleasant
Happy's Taco Shop for sponsoring our Bonfire and Banked Slalom
NAMI Grand Traverse, our Bunny Hill Sponsor
Jade's Wings for sponsoring the Mountain in My Mind Movie Night
Embracing Imperfections, our Fireside Sponsor
All the businesses that contributed to our silent auction!
Every vendor who provided resources, every volunteer who gave time, and every participant who brought their authentic self
As we said throughout the weekend: We are stronger when we shred together. The stigma surrounding mental health continues to isolate too many people, but for three days, we created a community where open conversation replaced silence, where vulnerability was met with understanding, and where no one had to face their mountains alone.
Thank you for being part of this journey. We can't wait to see how the connections made this weekend continue to grow and thrive in the days, weeks, and months ahead.
Surf the Earth MHC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization initiated by Ali Patrick committed to raising awareness about mental illnesses and shredding the stigma.
If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that reaching out is brave. Text or call a trusted friend, or contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text). You matter, and things can get better.