Tuna & Minnow

05/07/2020

This note was on a prayer board in a small chapel at a hostel we stayed in. We dedicated our hike today to the memory of this young man and prayed for his family along the way.

It was a very challenging day as it was very hot and we faced quite a few difficult climbs. We were reminded of a quote we read by author Matt Haig, who lives with depression and writes about it. He compares the ever changing weather to mental health and it seemed to fit.
“Soak up the views. Take in the bad weather and the good weather. You are not the storm.” Matt Haig

20/06/2020

We met this beautiful young woman and her family on the trail. We had a nice evening camping with them. Her story is familiar to many of us. We love that she is so open, honest and willing to share her story so others will be encouraged to get help.

18/06/2020

During our hike over Unaka Mountain today, we found a beautiful section of trail. The forest changed from the familiar beech and dogwood trees and massive fields of ferns into a vibrant green painting of pines and moss. It was almost magical. Just off the trail, we came across an unusual site at 5100 feet above sea level in the forest. It was a decorated Christmas Tree! We discovered this Christmas Tree is a memorial for Max Norrell, a previous Appalachian Trail thru hiker. The tree was chosen in a spot that was his favorite on the Appalachian Trail. We read that he was affected by mental illness and died by su***de on 5/20/16. He was loved by neighbors, family and friends who erected the tree in his honor. We did not know Max Norrell, nor of his memorial, until we came upon it. To honor Max, we left a small token on the tree and said a prayer for his family. Seeing the tree reminded us why we challenge and push ourselves to complete this journey.
"When it is darkest, we can see the stars" ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson.
National Su***de Prevention Lifeline -800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line - text 741741

05/06/2020

Tuna & Minnow-Hike Out Su***de
As we hike, we have been thinking about and praying for those who have lost a loved one to su***de. Lately, there have been some difficult climbs that are very challenging. It’s hard not to think about giving up at times. During these rough moments, we lean on each other, our family and friends for support and encouragement. We wanted to share that. Our hope is that anyone struggling, or going through a difficult time, will reach out and ask for help too. We know that isn’t always easy but we know how much it helps.

25/03/2020

A few days ago, we got to camp and met an awesome young couple that are also thru hiking. “K” shared that her brother died by su***de 3 years ago when he was 22 years old. We discussed the the impact losing him had on she and her family. “K” said she misses her brother desperately and thinks about him often. She had a particularly rough day, as it would have been his 25th birthday. That day, the climbs were very challenging and she said she powered through with memories of him helping her along. Finally, she shared, he was able to donate his heart, kidneys and liver and this helped she and her family heal knowing he saved the lives of others. “K” said a favorite quote for her is: “Living a limitless life means believing you, yourself, have the power to change any negative to a positive.”

17/03/2020

Saturday evening, we climbed down Blue Mountain, through the twisted tree forest and muddy slippery slope into Unicoi Gap. Buttercup gave us a ride into Helen, Georgia. We had to pick up meds for Tuna's cold and resupply food. Helen Georgia is a cute little Alpine Village with a lot of tourists and locals. We met a local man that was a veteran. We were able to speak openly and share stories of how su***de can affect so many people. Our new friend shared how he was affected by the loss of a loved one that died by su***de. He also has a close friend that struggles with mental health issues. He had not spoken with his close friend in a couple of weeks. He was more determined, after we spoke, to reach out and "check in" with his friend. These experiences, make every cold rainy day and muddy, slippery step worth the journey. If you haven't reached out to a loved one you feel may need an emotional "check in", please reach out today. It may make all the difference in their world.

15/03/2020

Yesterday was quite a day with long miles and rocky climbing. We met these 2 fellow thru hikers at the water source. In discussing Hike Out Su***de, they shared they were in the military at a point in their lives. They said they watched some mates struggle with mental health issues during and after their enlistment. We want to encourage you, or anyone you know that is struggling, to ask for help. There is hope, there is help. National Su***de Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 {Talk}. Crisis Text Line: Text Home 741741

14/03/2020

10/03/2020

Appalachian Thru Hike-Day 1-3. It’s been an exhausting but great first few days. We had some struggles but reached out for help when we needed it. We want to remind anyone who is struggling, it’s ok to ask for help. It is not a sign of weakness, we think it shows strength. Each step we take, we are thinking about anyone who lost a loved one or is having struggles of their own.

09/03/2020

Our first day on the trail

07/03/2020

04/03/2020

Welcome to “Hike Out Su***de!" Dennis and Marlo Miller, also known by their trail names, “Tuna and Minnow," are thru hiking the Appalachian Trail to raise awareness and money for su***de prevention and mental health. Their mission, during their 2,192 mile journey, is to target the average person with two very important messages – that help is available for anyone considering su***de, and that awareness of su***de and mental health can come up anywhere, including the Appalachian Trail. Dennis and Marlo state that “It’s Okay to Not be Okay” and that we all need help now and then.

As a way to track their progress, Tuna and Minnow will be posting a weekly Youtube video, which will also be shared on Prevent Su***de PA’s page. All funds that are donated go back into Pennsylvania efforts towards su***de prevention. To donate, go to www.preventsu***depa.org/donate-now. *Please note with your donation that you are donating on behalf of Hike Out Su***de.*

28/02/2020

Time to start walking......

26/02/2020

It is official!!! March 7th!!!

23/02/2020

What a great night with friends and family. Thank you all for the support for our hike and the generous donations for su***de awareness and mental health. We are so blessed to have you all in our lives. For those of you who asked and did not make it, you can make a donation at: https//www.preventsu***depa.org/donate-now. Put Tuna & Minnow in the name of loved ones. See you on the trail. ***deprevention ***deawarness