I'm Matt Connery, a long-time resident of Sandpoint, Idaho. With personal experiences of battling depression, anxiety, and suicide attempts, I am passionate about advocating for mental health. Nature, especially hiking and backpacking, has been my solace, providing healing and strength. As I embark on a 1,246-mile journey along the Pacific Northwest Trail with Justine, we are raising funds for the Ethan Murray Fund to raise awareness about mental health.

North Idaho urgently needs more mental health resources, including crisis centers, therapy services, and accessible psychiatrists. Having faced financial burdens and limited care options myself, I aim to create a community where mental health is destigmatized and support is readily available. Alongside Justine and our beloved dog Red, we are devoted to advocating for a brighter mental health future through the Ethan Murray Fund.

My dog, Red, has been my savior, quite literally. After a dark period in my life, when I reached the lowest point and attempted to end it all, Red came into my life and turned it around. He has this incredible ability to sense when I'm struggling, and he refuses to let me wallow in despair. Even on days when I didn't want to face the world, Red nudged me out of bed, insisting on going outside for a walk or to play. Reluctantly, I obliged, and as we stepped outside, something magical happened. The fresh air, the exercise, and Red's unwavering presence slowly lift my spirits. It's as if he knew that the key to my recovery lay in reconnecting with nature and finding joy in the simple things. That's the beauty of a dog's love - it's unconditional and judgment-free. No matter what I'm going through, Red is there, wagging his tail, ready to shower me with affection. In return, I realize that I hold his entire world in my hands. His happiness and well-being depend entirely on me, the dog owner. It's a powerful reminder to always be good to your dog, because they give us so much more than we could ever repay.