John McGeary
6  year  Mo Bro
platinum club

$4,567

Target: $4,000
raised $8,062 since 2019
My motivation
Fundraising for cause areas including:
Men's health
Mental health and suicide prevention

4/30/2024 Personal Update

Recently, I’ve lost sight of my true purpose behind doing this. During this hectic time that is lacrosse season, I’ve allowed myself to get caught up in the raising money side of things. And while the money is certainly important, even more important to me is being consistent in my messages and helping increase the awareness that mental health struggles and suicide, especially in men and teens, are at alarmingly high levels.

After about a 2.5 year hiatus, I’ve begun seeing a therapist again, and I’ve really been enjoying my sessions because he really pushes me to think about difficult questions. He also does his best to not share what his thoughts are so that I can come to conclusions on my own. Most recently, in regards to teaching and coaching, he posed the questions “What do you get out of teaching/coaching?” and “Why does it matter to you if your students/players succeed?”

I’ll be honest, I’ve had to think about those questions a little more that I feel like I should. I’m either trying to be very intentional with my answers, or I’m scared of saying the wrong thing, a theme that has come up a lot in our discussions. Am I reading too much into it? Have the frustrations of the seemingly more and more immature students gotten to me over the last 2 years versus the first 2? Have students always been like this and coming into this career during Covid didn’t allow me a true test of the waters?

Whatever the reason for not being able to answer those questions clearly me be, there is one thing I’m sure of. You will be hearing more from me as I continue to train for the Berlin marathon, where I will be representing Movember with a charity bib. I know that in being consistent and sharing my training and personal life updates I can continue to build a following and reach the goals I’ve set in front of me. Continue on to read more about how I got here.

2/27/2019

I will forever remember this day like it was yesterday. Just about ready to start lacrosse practice in Colorado on the day before my birthday, I got the call that Dad had killed himself. Time seemed to stop for a moment and all the breath had been taken out of my lungs. Then the tears started to pour and they continued off and on for the next 3 days. That night, we were on the red-eye back to PA and would be there for the next two and a half weeks.

As of February, it has now been 5 years since losing my dad. I honestly don’t know how that much time has passed; it feels like it was yesterday. I’ve dedicated myself to triathlon, since that was something he always supported me in, earning me half off entries for my first couple of races. Now I race with the intention of making a difference in the world of mental health and suicide awareness.

This year, on my way toward preparing for my first full Ironman race in 2026, I will be racing in the Steamboat Marathon on June 2, as well as racing in and representing Movember with a charity bib at the Berlin Marathon on September 29.

For so long, the idea of being a "man" was someone who was strong enough to get by on his own, with no need to share his feelings or show emotions. Please help me in supporting such an important cause and in eliminating such a negative stigma. If you are able, any donations would be very much appreciated.

How I'm
getting involved
Team Dash
Team captain Annie McGeary
$4,587 Team funds raised
619 of 60 miles
walking
78.64 miles
running
540.43 miles
I'm moving 60km this Movember for the 60 men we lose each hour of every day.
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3 day(s) ago
I ran 5.01 mi00:39:20

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2 Week(s) Ago
Donation from:
Pat Gorman
$32
8 Week(s) Ago
Donation from:
Olympus Gives Gift Matching Anonymous
$500
11 Week(s) Ago
Donation from:
Nate Lee
$85

Donation from Nate Lee.

11 Week(s) Ago
Donation from:
Matt Walbert
$60

Got get em, John! Proud to be your friend, keep pushing forward!

11 Week(s) Ago
Donation from:
Brian Reil
$50

Good luck John and have a post-race currywurst while in Berlin!

11 Week(s) Ago
Donation from:
Karen & Chuck Kuczynski
$100

Good luck, John!!!

12 Week(s) Ago
Donation from:
Jadyn Reiter
$30
18 Week(s) Ago
Donation from:
Charles Kelly Sr.
$250

With you every step of the way. Proud of your effort to support a men's health initiative and to honor your Dad. Love ya lots, MeMa & Pop Pop XOXO

19 Week(s) Ago
Donation from:
MaryAnn Dwyer
$100

❤️❤️❤️ In memory of the Big Guy ❤️❤️❤️

21 Week(s) Ago
Donation from:
Annie Lee
$100

John, best of luck! Your Dad was our cousin; I think of him often and hope you find lasting peace on this journey. Annie Kienzle Lee

24 Week(s) Ago
Donation from:
PMA-13, Inc. DBA People Signs
$500

Proud of you John!
Love Uncle Charlie
PMA!!

24 Week(s) Ago
Donation from:
John Harris
$500

John,

I know we haven’t spoken about it, but my heart goes out to you, brother. I admire your strength and commitment to remaining both compassionate and loving towards others through it all. I’m glad we met and I look forward to many newly created memories in the future. Congrats on finishing the Steamboat Marathon strong and best of luck in the Berlin Marathon!

All my best,

John

24 Week(s) Ago
Donation from:
Adam DiPillo
$50

Great stuff John, good luck in the marathon!

24 Week(s) Ago
Donation from:
Olivia Wickersham
$50
24 Week(s) Ago
Donation from:
STEPHEN ANNEST
$100
24 Week(s) Ago
Donation from:
Robyn Leuthe Norris
$50
24 Week(s) Ago
Donation from:
Rebecca Kertsmar
$30

Good luck, you’re awesome!

24 Week(s) Ago
Donation from:
Julie Borden
$100
24 Week(s) Ago
Donation from:
Chris Hemmerich
$20
24 Week(s) Ago
Donation from:
Annie McGeary
$500

You’re a bro with an incredibly big heart! Berlin will be a piece of cake for you. Go get ‘em!!

32 Week(s) Ago

Recently, I’ve lost sight of my true purpose behind doing this. During this hectic time that is lacrosse season, I’ve allowed myself to get caught up in the raising money side of things. And while the money is certainly important, even more important to me is being consistent in my messages and helping increase the awareness that mental health struggles and suicide, especially in men and teens, are at alarmingly high levels.

After about a 2.5 year hiatus, I’ve begun seeing a therapist again, and I’ve really been enjoying my sessions because he really pushes me to think about difficult questions. He also does his best to not share what his thoughts are so that I can come to conclusions on my own. Most recently, in regards to teaching and coaching, he posed the questions “What do you get out of teaching/coaching?” and “Why does it matter to you if your students/players succeed?”

I’ll be honest, I’ve had to think about those questions a little more that I feel like I should. I’m either trying to be very intentional with my answers, or I’m scared of saying the wrong thing, a theme that has come up a lot in our discussions. Am I reading too much into it? Have the frustrations of the seemingly more and more immature students gotten to me over the last 2 years versus the first 2? Have students always been like this and coming into this career during Covid didn’t allow me a true test of the waters?

Whatever the reason for not being able to answer those questions clearly me be, there is one thing I’m sure of. You will be hearing more from me as I continue to train for the Berlin marathon, where I will be representing Movember with a charity bib. I know that in being consistent and sharing my training and personal life updates I can continue to build a following and reach the goals I’ve set in front of me.

Note: As donations can be made privately, not all donations are displayed to the public.