2-25-2018 My oldest son Dexter, died by suicide at age 23. While serving in the United States Marine Corps he had a swift onset of bipolar 1 and schizo-affective disorder which led to many dark days, including self medication, legal troubles, a long hospitalization and death not long after a full diagnosis. To raise awareness for suicide prevention and mental illness, I've been inspired by his fighting spirit and have decided to run One hundred 100 mile ultra marathon's in his memory. It's my hope to not only honor Dexter's dream of helping others with mental illness, but to let other suicide survivors know they are not alone in their grief, and to bring awareness to a growing epidemic among the youth and young adults in our society who are not getting the help, support, medication and quick attention that they need. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among individuals aged 10-34 yrs old. 1hundred100s4dexter
​
Dial 988
"To live alone in a world of secrets is incredibly lonely. I have kept so many, for so long, that no one knows who I truly am. I have never felt understood, but I have found within myself the courage to bare my soul and share my story.... I'm not better, and I need to accept help. I posess an incredibly independent spirit, rarely ask for help, and I don't tell people how I feel. This is a problematic stance to take at this stage in my life. It's okay to be introverted and strong willed, but when your own health is at risk it's important to remain humble enough to realize that you can't and shouldn't do everything on your own. Burdens become lighter the more that you share them....As bleak as life sometimes seems, there is always a new day ahead of you. Be grateful for the time that you're given. I don't know what my future holds, but I'm willing to keep pushing in the hope of better days. Take joy in the small victories, because they lead to greater opportunities."
-James Dexter Morris, March 17 & 18 2017
