Local Firefighter, McLean Resident to Ride Across Country for a Cause

Two local women are preparing for the bike ride of a lifetime to help raise awareness and battle the negative stigma associated with mental illnesses.

Northern Virginia firefighter Brenda Pamperin and McLean resident Lynn Salvo will soon join riders from across the country to embark on a cross-country journey called “Ride to Awareness.”

Pamperin and Salvo will head out to California to begin the ride in San Diego on Sept. 15. They’ll be joined by riders from all corners of the U.S., and will eventually conclude the trip in Sarasota, Fla., in mid-November.

Pamperin and Salvo both chose to get involved with “Ride to Awareness” due to their past histories dealing with mental health issues. Pamperin lost her aunt to suicide, and Salvo said she knows people close to her who suffer from depression or battle addition every day.

“People who have mental health issues are suffering from a brain disorder and their suffering is compounded by the stigma we place on mental illness,” Pamperin said. “Mental health issues are no different from heart disease or diabetes; they’re medically based and must be treated to get well.”

The riders are also promoting avenues for mental health patients to seek help, including the National Alliance on Mental health. Proceeds raised by Pamperin and Salvo in particular will be donated to NAMI’s Northern Virginia chapter, which provides education and support programs to those suffering from an illness at no cost.

The community is hosting a sending-off party for both riders on Sunday, Aug. 30, from 3-5 p.m. at the McLean Fire Station. Fairfax County Board Supervisor John Foust will be in attendance, and there will be music, refreshments and a raffle on hand.

The party is free and requires no prior registration.