From the To This Day Project:

To This Day Project is a project based on a spoken word poem written by Shane Koyczan called “To This Day”, to further explore the profound and lasting impact that bullying can have on an individual.

Schools and families are in desperate need of proper tools to confront this problem. We can give them a starting point… A message that will have a far reaching and long lasting effect in confronting bullying.

Animators and motion artists brought their unique styles to 20 second segments that will thread into one fluid voice.

This collaborative volunteer effort will demonstrate what a community of caring individuals are capable of when they come together.

http://www.tothisdayproject.com

http://www.shanekoyczan.com/

http://www.bullying.org

http://www.giantant.ca

Brandon Bitner committed suicide on November 5, 2010, after being constantly bullied at Midd-West Area High School.

We’re proud to announce the TDB Memorial 5k Race/Walk/Kids Run, which will begin at the Fayette Area Lions Den in McAlisterville, Pa on Saturday, May 18, 2013. The race is being organized by Jordan Kerstetter, a junior at East Juniata High School, for his senior project.  The race aims to increase mental health awareness and suicide prevention and all proceeds will be donated to the Brandon Bitner Memorial Scholarship at Susquehanna University.

Although Jordan never had the privilege to meet Brandon, his story hit close to home because suicide and mental health issues have also directly affected his family. Along with the help of his mother Christy, Jordan said he hopes to “help those who have these [suicidal] feelings know where they can go for help.” He also wants to inform suicide survivors of the options available to them after losing a loved one to suicide.

Registration for the race will start at 8 a.m. with the races beginning at 10 a.m. Awards will be presented to the overall male and female winners and the top 2 runners in each age group. All kids run participants ages 12 and under will also receive a prize. There is an early bird discount reducing the fee to $15 if you register by April 13^th. Pre-registrants will also receive a free t-shirt.

To register for the TDB Memorial 5k Race, click here to download the registration form. For more information, please contact Jordan at tdbmemorial5k@gmail.com.

Thanks, Jordan and Christy!

According to PSEC and the YAC, the Generations Award is presented annually to a Pennsylvania adult or elder who has provided significant contributions to LGBTQ youth activism in Pennsylvania. This recognition is given to an individual who exemplifies leadership in working with youth as partners to advance meaningful advocacy efforts.

Tammy’s involvement with PSEC includes several trips to the Capitol in Harrisburg, Pa. to promote the Pennsylvania Safe Schools Act. She has testified at the House Education Committee hearing on Bullying and Cyberbullying in October 2012 and continuously meets with school administrators and other advocate groups.

The Brandon Bitner Memorial Award, which is new this year, will be awarded to Zachary Terrazas of Hanover, Pa. According to PSEC, this new award will be given annually to a high school student for engaging in high level advocacy for safer schools in Pennsylvania. The award was named in honor of Brandon, who wished for  increased bullying awareness so other children and teenagers would not feel the pain which caused him to take his own life.

The Youth Action Conference, organized by PSEC, was established in 2011 and is Pa.’s largest statewide gathering of LGBTQ youth. More information on the conference and instructions on how to register can be found at www.yac2013.com.

Brandon opening Christmas gifts a few years ago.

Time flies! It’s the holiday season and of course, we’re missing Brandon more than ever. It’s hard to believe that this will be our third Christmas without him. Brandon LOVED Christmastime and always helped coordinate his mom’s frequent holiday gatherings, so coping with his absence is especially difficult. During the holiday season, experts recommend starting new holiday traditions those that have passed on to remember and honor those who are no longer with us.

Have you started a holiday tradition in memory of a friend or family member? What do you do and when do you do it? Does it help you cope? We would love to hear your stories! You may even inspire others who might be experiencing their first holiday without a loved one. Leave a comment here or head over to the Brandon Bitner Memorial page to join in on the conversation.

The Brandon Bitner Memorial wishes you peace and comfort this holiday season. Remember those you’ve lost but also spend quality time with those that are still here. Happy Holidays!

Please support #1Card4Newtown efforts by visiting our Thunderclap page to help us share our message to the masses. Click here to join – it only takes a few seconds!

We have until January 1 to reach 250 supporters through Twitter and Facebook. If we reach the goal, Thunderclap will send our message at the same exact time – this helps amplify our message and also computes our social reach! Once you join the movement, be sure to send your card to the address below.

Read more about #1Card4Newtown:

The Brandon Bitner Memorial has been touched by so many people across the world offering support after Brandon’s bullying-induced suicide in 2010. These messages of hope and support kept Brandon’s family and friends going throughout the past two years.

We know how important it is to have an encouraging community in a time of need. We want to engage our community to send at least one card or letter, with an uplifting message of support, to the families, victims and residents of Newtown, CT.

It’s a small gesture that will mean so much to this community, especially during the difficult holiday season ahead.

Please support the Thunderclap effort: Click here to join – it only takes a few seconds!

FAQ from Thunderclap.IT:

What is Thunderclap?
Thunderclap is a tool that lets a message be heard by saying it together. Join a Thunderclap, and you and others will share the same message together, spreading an idea through Facebook and Twitter that cannot be ignored.

What exactly am I agreeing to when I authorize my Facebook or Twitter account?
You are allowing Thunderclap to share a message on your behalf. This is only the case when you click the “Back this Message” button AND we will only share it if the project reaches its goal. We will not post any additional messages.

Will you post to my feed or to my friends as well?
Just your feed, we won’t spam your friends. That wouldn’t be nice.

Please send  #1Card4Newtown to:

P.O. Box 3700
Newtown, Connecticut 06470

If you wish to donate financially, please donate directly to the Sandy Hook School Support Fund or to one of HopeMob’s Sandy Hook stories.

Again, please also promote our Thunderclap efforts and post to all of your social networks with this link: https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/856-1-card-for-newtown with the hashtag #1Card4Newtown.

Thank you and happy holidays to all!

The response and support received through this site and via email, Facebook, and Twitter from Madonna fans has been astounding. Welcome to the Brandon Bitner Memorial community and thanks for helping us fight bullying and raise suicide awareness. We are grateful and appreciative beyond words.

Here’s a video of the interlude from the North American opening of the MDNA tour in August 2012:

It’s hard to believe that two years ago, on this very day, we lost Brandon to suicide. It has been a long two years and we all miss him each and every day. Thank you to Brandon’s supporters who carry his story across the world. Again, we ask that you take a moment to reflect on those in your life who may need a little extra help making it through.