Stephen Johns, defender of the former Dallas Stars, caused a sensation across the country that summer. A feel-good story and yet a strong statement as Johns rolled through his troubled times. Stars’ videographer Jeff Toates was and is right by his side. Two friends who have teamed up for a good cause.
Stephen Johns announced his resignation in June. This was due to post-traumatic headache. Johns has also suffered from depression due to his health concerns and has been forced to withdraw from the game he loves in order to solve these recurring problems.
For Stephen Johns this was certainly devastating news. He had to give up a sport for health reasons all his life lovingly. But John’s always had the right attitude and he was never alone. One of the people at his side; Jeff Toates.
Shortly after the news of Stephen John’s resignation came out, the hockey player had a different intention. Jeff Toates, of course, was all for being a part of the journey. He also talked about John’s and the upcoming trip.
“Compared to the league norm, this breaks some expectations and standards for typical media availability,” Toates said. “I haven’t thought much of Stephen in the context of hockey, but the way he opened up, the story he has to tell, is definitely different from what people are used to from hockey players.”
Stephen Johns and Jeff Toates embarked on their Mental Miles adventure from Pittsburgh to Oregon. A trip that drew the country’s attention for twenty-three days. The duo had to do a lot of sightseeing, meet new friends, fight and inspire the fight against mental health and raise a lot of money for this cause.
For Jeff Toates, this was also his final season with the Dallas Stars. Toates was more than thrilled to join his friend Stephen Johns on his US trip for Mental Miles.
“It was the best text I ever got because it came out of the blue, it was a Thursday afternoon and it said, ‘I think I’m going to rollerblade across America,'” Toates said. “That was it. That was the lyrics. That was the best. I thought, ‘I’m so depressed.’
There is also a documentary on Mental Miles that is currently in the works. The film will also contain photos and possibly videos from other Mental Miles.
Photo credit: workforgood.org
Mental Miles was a charitable cause. Anyone interested can buy merchandise at dallasstars.com/mentalmiles to support the cause or simply make a donation. And contact information for the Dallas Stars Foundation. Who was in partnership with Stephen Johns and Jeff Toates.
Mental Miles isn’t just a reason for Stephen Johns. As he said; “That’s so much bigger than me.” One could understand if it were just a man casting out his own demons. But it is not. Johns wants the record to be known that this event was meant to symbolize what everyone in the world is going through. Fight against mental health problems. Mental Miles stands for a healthier lifestyle. Both mentally and physically.
Featured photo: twitter.com/stjohns28
[ad_1]
