Vanderheiden Memorial Run generates $40K for Nebraska trails – North Platte Bulletin

The Tyler Vanderheiden Memorial Run in Might, organized by two North Platte residents, raised greater than $8,000 for Nebraska Recreation and Parks state park trails.

The memorial run is geared toward consciousness and understanding of psychological well being. The proceeds from the run set off as much as $32,000 in matching federal Recreation Trails Program funds.

Tyler’s dad and mom Shannon and Tim Vanderheiden, and Trudy Merritt of the Platte River Health Collection, organized the run. They introduced a test to Recreation and Parks on June 22 at Platte River State Park between Omaha and Lincoln.

Due to their beneficiant donation, Recreation and Parks is ready to take full benefit of Leisure Trails Program funds, mentioned Parks Division Administrator Jeff Fields. The $40,000 will assist a path enchancment mission at Platte River State Park.

Memorial funds are getting used to assist a $1 million building and improve of the Platte River State Park path that results in Stone Creek Falls, to make it suitable with the People with Disabilities Act.

Runners from each state within the nation — plus an individual in London and one other in Puerto Rico — participated nearly or in-person within the Might 14 race, which introduced collectively tons of of individuals. Members used the hashtags #PreventSuicide and #Run4TJV after they shared their race tales, reminiscences of Tyler and their connection to the outside.

Tyler Vanderheiden took his personal life. For his mom Shannon Vanderheiden, the annual run was meant to be an area for therapeutic and assist for individuals who battle with psychological well being or know somebody who has, however in simply two years, it’s changed into far more, she mentioned.

“The numerous texts and messages we obtained from throughout our nation earlier than and after Ty’s memorial run introduced therapeutic, pleasure and peace to my coronary heart,” she mentioned. “Our intention of Ty’s race was to be a present of therapeutic to others; I used to be not anticipating to obtain 100-fold again the identical present I used to be attempting to present.

“The generosity of the Vanderheiden household in sharing their deeply private story and the assumption we share with the Nebraska Recreation and Parks Basis that nature, open house and trails are important to a flourishing life created a that means and a message that resonated throughout the nation,” Merritt mentioned.

Runners from each state, abroad and throughout Nebraska got here along with one voice to inform those that battle, “You aren’t alone,” Merritt mentioned.

“This race lives as a reminder that Tyler Vanderheiden’s spirit will proceed to maneuver amongst us and enhance the lives of others,” she mentioned. “I’m so grateful for the kindness and love others shared via Ty’s memorial run and sit up for sharing this house with all for a few years to return.”

Merritt heads up the Platte River Health Collection, with assist from the West Central District Well being Division, the place Vanderheiden is the manager director.

Proceeds from the annual race will proceed to be donated to the Nebraska Recreation and Parks Basis for the creation, upkeep or improve of trails on the 76 state park areas.

To study extra about this 12 months’s path mission, go to OutdoorNebraska.org/MemorialRun.

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