Pro soccer player Ashlyn Harris is busy this week spreading a very important message: Keep fighting because “tomorrow needs you.”

And, because 800,000 people worldwide take their life each year (that’s one person every 40 seconds), it’s a proclamation worth listening to.

The Orlando Pride goalkeeper and longtime mental health advocate started a fundraising page ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day 2018, which falls on Monday, September 10.

She’s joining To Write Love On Her Arms, –a non-profit dedicated to helping those who struggle with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide — in their effort to raise $100,000 for their “Tomorrow Needs You” campaign.

Her personal goal is to raise $10,000 to provide “scholarships” for people to receive adequate counseling and other mental health services. At the time of this writing, she has raised more than $2,400.

“And, I believe tomorrow needs me because I was made for being a voice for those who are hurting,” Harris wrote on her fundraising page. “I was made for inspiring and encouraging people. I was made for being a fierce competitor, an aunt, a sister, a daughter, a friend, and most importantly, myself.”

 

 

Harris has long been a beacon of hope for people struggling with mental health challenges, and it’s a role she doesn’t take lightly.

“There’s a gentleman who’s older, over 50, who said I’ve helped save his life, who’s contemplated suicide for I don’t know how long,” Harris told the Orlando Sentinel. “He shows up every week to give me a hug, to wear my jersey. If that keeps someone alive, you bet I’m going to do whatever I can to make sure that I take the time to go over, say hello, give him a hug, see how he’s doing. Takes less than five minutes.

“Five minutes is worth saving anyone’s life.”

So, go take a peek in your dryer or in your winter coat for any leftover change, and consider kicking it over to Harris and To Write Love On Her Arms. It very well could save a life.