AGR's team dressed in yellow in Mitch's memory
AGNR students led by the Brothers of Alpha Gamma Rho (AGR - the professional/social fraternity of agriculture) joined together with University of Maryland in the April 2016 campus-wide “Out of the Darkness Walk” with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Together all of the UMD teams raised over $40,000 dollars to help fund research, screening, and outreach programs. The AGR team was the second highest fund raising team across campus raising over $6,000.
The men of AGR hope to become official co-sponsors of the event next year as the chapter has personal ties to the issue. Brother Mitch Gryszkiewicz, an agriculture science and technology student, lost his fight with depression in 2014. In the wake of his loss, the brothers have worked with Mitch’s family to help end suicide and reduce the stigma of mental health. To help raise funds for the 2016 Walk, they held a pig roast in Mitch’s memory, dubbed “Mitch-A-Palooza.” The roast brought the extended family and AGR community together raising funds and learning more about the disease.
Mitch’s mother, known as “Mama G” in the Baden community, has founded BadenStrong, in coordination with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), a program that reaches out to high schools to discuss mental health issues and develop stronger mental health programs. “Mama G” encouraged the brothers of AGR to become involved in more mental health efforts such as the Out of the Darkness Walks.
When asked why he walked, Justin Beavan, a recent agriculture science and technology graduate, commented: “I walked for a handful of reasons. Not because it's for a good cause, but because Mitchell and I became very close friends in college and now knowing the pain that comes with losing a dear friend, I walk to raise awareness of suicide. I walk because I do not want people to have to experience that pain. I walked not only for me, but for Mitchell's family, and my brothers of AGR. Depression and mental illness is something that can be worked through and everyone needs to feel the purpose for living. “
For more information on BadenStrong http://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.team&teamID=78827
If you or anyone you know need immediate assistance please call emergency services, 911.
For non-emergency assistance, the following services can help:
UMD Counseling Center: 301-314-7651
National Suicide hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8225)
Crisis Chat: Crisischat.org
Crisis Text Line: Text 741-741
In Loving Memory of G. Mitchell Gryszkiewicz
1993-2014
