Dozens of paddlers took to Lake Austin on the 25th anniversary of 9/11 to honor first responders and raise money for men’s mental health programs.
AUSTIN, Texas — About 35 people participated in the inaugural paddle challenge organized by Strong: The Men’s Mental Health Initiative.
The Austin nonprofit was co-founded by Pflugerville fire Capt. Joshua Stubblefield to support first responders and veterans’ mental health.
The group planned to paddle 11 miles together using kayaks and paddleboards. Lightning ultimately forced participants off the water before they could complete the second half of the route.
This story continues below.
Stubblefield said the challenge was designed to do more than remember the first responders who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.
“We wanted to honor the sacrifice of everyone 25 years ago with action,” Stubblefield said.
Strong Secretary John Billasano said remembering those first responders also provided motivation to keep paddling.
“I just imagine those firefighters that we lost and all the first responders we lost, going there and giving those people hope,” Billasano said.
Billasano became emotional as he discussed the lasting impact of the attacks and the mental health struggles some first responders continue to face.
Strong focuses on building community around men who may otherwise struggle with mental health challenges alone.
“We’re not meant to do life alone,” Stubblefield said. “We can all lean on each other, and we can all help each other.”
Stubblefield said first responders and veterans often face long hours, time away from their families and the emotional weight that can come with serving others.
“You show up for us every day,” Stubblefield said. “There’s our community that’s ready to show up for you, too.”
The organization set a goal of raising $11,000 through the challenge to support mental health programs for first responders, veterans and their families.