Local Cyclist to Ride for Jana Marie Foundation

BOALSBURG — Suicide or the threat of suicide has impacted Marc Warren’s life. His mother, who raised six kids on her own, would threaten to take her life. “Thankfully she never did go through with the threat. My mom was the strongest woman I know,” Warren says. But Warren also knows several people who have had to suffer the unthinkable pain of losing a loved one to suicide.

Suicide prevention and mental health are important causes for Warren, of Boalsburg. For the second consecutive year, he will ride his bicycle 150 miles of the Great Allegheny Passage in one day to raise money for Jana Marie Foundation and help with its work of suicide prevention and mental health.

“I have so much respect for Jana Marie’s family for turning unimaginable pain of losing Jana to suicide into such a thriving and impactful foundation,” the 66-year-old Warren says. “This is such a beautiful and loving way to honor Jana. Their work is vital. What could be more important than helping youth have better and stronger mental health? I’m sure their work has caused some youth who were having suicidal thoughts to talk about these thoughts and not take their life.”

Since its inception in 2012, the Jana Marie Foundation has devoted its energy to opening minds and saving lives through educational programming and community mobilization to empower young people in the Centre County region. 

Warren will do the ride on July 11, weather permitting. He will ride from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland. Last year, he raised more than $2,500 for Jana Marie Foundation. This year, he is hoping to raise $5,000.

“What I enjoy most about my ride is the challenge it provides,” Warren says. “It is both an exhausting and relaxing experience. After about 80 miles or so, the ride becomes a head game. This challenge becomes more mental than physical.

“I truly feel honored to be able to raise money to help Jana Marie Foundation to help them with their mission. They do the hard work, I’m just riding my bike.”

To donate to Warren’s ride to help Jana Marie Foundation, visit janamariefoundation.harnessgiving.org/campaigns/10340.

For more information on the foundation, suicide prevention, mental health and foundation events, visit janamariefoundation.org and follow Jana Maria Foundation on Facebook and Instagram.