The annual Bike with Mike event took place this Saturday, bringing together participants from across Omaha to support mental health awareness and resources in the community. The event, held in memory of Mike Kutilec, who battled mental illness until his death in May 2020, drew a throng of cyclists looking to ride for a cause. Tom Foley, who has been riding to support mental health for the past three years, said the event serves as a reminder of the mental health epidemic that is often overlooked. “There’s a mental health epidemic that is often overlooked, so it’s a great way to have a beautiful morning and a bike ride with friends and support a bigger cause,” Foley said. Foley spoke to KETV about the importance of looking out for others, noting that mental health issues are more common than they seem. “It just takes a lot of looking out for others and knowing that there may be bigger issues going on than meets the eye,” he said. Bike with Mike founder Steve Kutilec said he lost his son to mental illness. “My son developed mental illness in his late 20s,” Kutilec said. Proceeds from Bike with Mike will benefit the Omaha Community Alliance, an organization that supports people who suffer from mental illness. “I started Bike with Mike to raise awareness and gather resources for mental illness,” he said. The impact the event has had on the community is clear, with many realizing the importance of the work to support those battling mental illness. “You guys are doing great work. They’re leading a lot of things in Mike’s name, and it’s great to be a part of it,” Foley said. Click here for the latest headlines from KETV NewsWatch 7
The annual “Bike with Mike” event took place this Saturday, bringing together participants from across Omaha to support local mental health awareness and resources.
The event was organised in memory of Mike Kutilek, who battled mental illness until his death in May 2020, and was attended by many cyclists keen to cycle for a cause.
Tom Foley, who has been cycling to support mental health causes for the past three years, said the event was a reminder of the mental health epidemic that often goes unnoticed.
“There’s a mental health epidemic that’s being overlooked, so it’s a great way to combine a beautiful morning with a bike ride with friends to support a greater cause,” Foley said.
Foley spoke to KETV about the importance of looking out for others, noting that mental health issues are more common than they appear.
“Just caring about other people and knowing that there may be a bigger struggle going on out there than meets the eye,” he said.
Bike with Mike founder Steve Kutirek was inspired to organize the event after losing his son to mental illness.
“He began to have a mental health crisis in his late 20s,” Kutirek said.
Proceeds from Bike with Mike will support Community Alliance of Omaha, an organization dedicated to helping individuals facing mental health challenges.
“We started ‘Bike with Mike’ to raise awareness of mental health and gather resources for mental health,” he said.
The impact the event has had on the local community is clear, with many recognising the importance of efforts to support those struggling with mental health issues.
“You guys are doing a great job. They’re spearheading a lot of things in Mike’s name. It’s great to be a part of that,” Foley said.
For the latest headlines from KETV NewsWatch 7, click here
