The Challenge
How We Rise Together
Discover the structure, rules, and sacred commitments that guide our 47-day journey of healing and hope.
The Lavender Wing Campaign
How We Rise Together
Discover the structure, rules, and sacred commitments that guide our 47-day journey of healing and hope.
Five distinct team structures designed to ensure no one flies alone, each with its own goals and support system.
Fly independently but never alone
Connected through daily digital gatherings
Assigned to a "Cloud" (virtual support group of 10-20 solos)
2,128 miles OR 2,128 smiles over 47 days (~45 per day)
Intimate groups, often friends/family
Weekly in-person or virtual gatherings required
Each person commits to ~200-400 miles total
10,000-20,000 miles or smiles
Department teams, small organizations, clubs
Requires 2 Team Captains (Lead & Support)
Weekly check-ins mandatory
25,000-50,000 miles or smiles
Corporate teams, schools, large organizations
Requires Captain Trinity (Lead, Wellness, Fundraising)
Twice-weekly touchpoints required
50,000-100,000 miles or smiles
Multi-site companies, university-wide, communities
Can achieve the full 100,000 alone
Full leadership structure required
Daily captain communications
Complete 100,000 miles/smiles as a single team
"Our Commitments to Each Other"
Walking, running, rolling (wheelchair), swimming (1/4 mile = 1 mile)
20 minutes = 1 mile (bike, elliptical, yoga, workout)
Cleaning, gardening, playing with kids: 30 minutes = 1 mile
We trust each other's truth
Coffee/meal with someone who needs connection
Handwritten note sent
Check-in call to someone struggling (minimum 10 minutes)
Volunteer hour = 10 smiles
Teaching someone new = 5 smiles
Sharing mental health resources = 3 smiles
Mandatory weekly team check-ins
(not about miles, about people)
"I'm good, rising strong"
"I'm pushing through, could use encouragement"
"I'm struggling, need support"
Immediate captain outreach within 24 hours
No shame in rest days or stepping back
$1 per mile/smile
No participant ever excluded for inability to donate
Team fundraising is collective (no individual callouts)
Corporate sponsors encouraged to cover team commitments
Pay it forward for someone who can't
Captain roles designed to support, guide, and nurture every team member's journey.
Every Team
Primary communicator and motivator
Submits weekly team wellness report
Hosts/facilitates team gatherings
First responder to Red status teammates
Receives extra mental health first aid training (free)
Teams 11+
Monitors team member check-ins
Maintains resource library
Connects struggling members to support
Plans recovery and rest activities
Certified in Mental Health First Aid (provided)
Teams 26+
Organizes group activities
Adapts challenges for all ability levels
Tracks and celebrates milestones
Creates inclusive movement options
Teams 26+
Coordinates community service
Documents smile stories
Organizes connection activities
Partners with local mental health organizations
Teams 26+ (Optional)
Optional role - only if team chooses to fundraise
Manages donation platform
Coordinates matching gifts
Plans fundraising events
Never pressures individuals
Flexible participation options ensuring everyone can join regardless of their circumstances.
Basic participation, no perks
T-shirt, digital badge, memorial mention
Above + lavender wing pin, captain access
Above + hoodie, finale invitation
For youth/school teams
Full team kit, banner, virtual support
Above + team tent at events, custom gear
Full customization, dedicated support
A comprehensive network of resources, connections, and professional support for every participant.
Direct hotline access in app
Crisis counselor chat feature
Emergency protocol for concerning posts
Partnership with 988 Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Weekly virtual circles by experience:
Facilitated by trained volunteers
Mental health toolkit
Movement modifications for all abilities
Fundraising templates (optional use)
Anthony's playlist for tough days
Daily motivations from his journals
Our commitments that ensure dignity, respect, and safety for every participant.
Share individual fundraising amounts
Require proof of miles/smiles
Exclude based on ability to participate
Use shame or comparison as motivation
Post without consent
Minimize anyone's struggle
Celebrate showing up over showing off
Prioritize wellness over winning
Include and adapt rather than exclude
Share resources freely
Respond to red flags immediately
Honor privacy and personal boundaries
Remember why we rise
Specialized support pathways for those who need extra care, privacy, or accommodation.
Special Support Status
For those currently in mental health treatment
Modified goals with therapist approval
Extra check-ins and support
Can pause without penalty
Rejoin anytime during campaign
Memorial Dedication
Formed in memory of someone lost
Special memorial page
Lavender rose badge
Priority for storytelling opportunities
Grief support resources
Survivor Support
For attempt survivors
Private team option
Enhanced privacy controls
Specialized peer support
Celebrate courage in participation alone
"No one flies alone. We rise by lifting, not pushing."
— The Lavender Wing Promise —
Now that you understand the challenge structure, discover how our 47-day journey unfolds from launch to summit.