About Livastride
About Livastride
The Livastride Foundation is a non-profit group which is dedicated to the memory of the late Brody Johnson. Brody loved the outdoors and loved to live life to the fullest. Livastride was created to keep Brody’s passion alive by helping kids and adults in our community become active, educated, and help them find ways to achieve their dreams. Some of the regular events hosted by Livastride include the Financial Boot Camp, Golf Tournament, and year round grief groups (provided through the Wingman Advocate Program).
Our primary focus is to prevent suicide altogether. That is why we create and promote events to teach healthy habits and lifestyles. Unfortunately there are those who experience the suicide of a loved one. Because of this, we sponsor grief groups to help people cope with the aftermath of suicide.
Mission Statement
The Livastride Foundation encourages living life by applying simple habits to promote a successful future. We encourage mental, physical, financial, and spiritual freedom.
Livastride’s motto is:
“Live for Today, Stride for Tomorrow”
ABOUT BRODY
Keep on keepin on!
-Brody
Brody was a happy, caring, energetic young man who had everything to live for. He was very intelligent and had a desire for learning about almost everything. Brody played sports throughout his school years and hunting and fishing was a big part of his life. His family and friends meant everything to him and he had numerous college friends and business associates that admired him as he strived to be his best.
Depression is a disease that most people don’t want to talk about. But it can become an issue and probably every family has someone who deals with it. The Livastride Foundation’s goal is to help “you” from making life changing decisions that not only hurt you, but all the people that know and love you. Sometimes people feel over-whelmed and think there is no way to solve problems, but that is just not true. We all have choices and with help you can make the right ones.
If you ever feel suicidal, make sure you seek help from someone immediately. We will provide a number you can call at any time. Talk also to a friend or family member that can assist and monitor you. In Brody’s case, he went to a regular doctor seeking help after dealing with some personal problems involving a breakup with a girl. He also felt years of pain because of a missing parental relationship which he needed badly. He had just moved to Colorado on his own where he was accepted at Colorado State University to start his Masters program. He was a long distance away from family and close friends which probably added loneliness as a factor. The doctor gave Brody a prescription for an anti-depressants and also sleeping pills and because he was moving, she gave him six months worth of refills. Shortly after his move, Brody took his own life.
A family grieves in many ways. The most common way is to simply ask, “Why?” or “What could we have done to prevent this?” There were not many noticeable signs as Brody had a positive outward appearance but there were small signs, such as agitated behavior and inability to focus. We have since learned alarming things about his medications and how they can actually compound depression and promote suicidal thoughts. After his death we learned of things happening totally out of character for Brody. It was a tragic end for someone with goals and aspirations like he had.
Life is hard, it was never meant to be easy, but it’s worth fighting for . No one wants to lose a loved one to depression and suicide. YOU are loved, seek help, you’ll be happy you did. Tomorrow is another day, LIVE IT!
Livastride’s Mission
Advocate
Educating to change the way people talk about suicide
Forward Thinking
We encourage healthy lifestyles physically, mentally, spiritually and financially
Community Involvment
Hosting events helps people to become more active in the community
Grief Support
Our bereavement support classes are a tool to learn to adjust to the death of a loved one.
Livastride’s Success Story
Your gifts, both large and small, will help us to achieve our mission of helping those affected by our cause. Thank you in advance for your generous support that allows us to make a difference in the lives of those in our community.Your donations will go towards building greater programs and services for those in need.
Charitable Donations
$46,130
Academic Scholarships Awarded
$7,250
Money Raised From Summer Slam Tournaments
$74,230
Total number of Baseball games 2010-2015
1380
Money Raised From Tee Up 4-Life Golf Tournament
$14,633
Holes of golf played
2592
LIVASTRIDE’S BOARD
Our staff has a strong commitment to serving the many constituents of our organization. But first and foremost, they focus their energies on those who take advantage of our programs and services.
Our board represents a cross-section of our community and has a passion for our organization and those we serve. The members work hard to ensure long-term sustainability of the organization and oversee that the funds raised directly affect those in need
Billy Peterson
CEO & Founder
Heather Peterson
Board Member
Courtney Sandoval
Honorary Board Member
Larie Hannum
Board Director
Nick Peterson
Board Member
Kacey Lish
Board Member
Shaun Peterson
Board Member
Dave Winkfield
Board Member
CLIENT TESTIMONIAL
I’m very impressed with the work that Livastride is doing to raise awareness of mental health disorders. I help teenagers struggling with addiction, and your page has some great information that I often share with them and reference in my own writings. Thanks for creating such a helpful resource, and continue the great work you’re doing
Michelle Conway