Spreading Hope: Bixby Bicycle Team Tackles Tulsa Ironman For Suicide Prevention

A bicycle team from Bixby is taking on the Tulsa Ironman Triathlon this weekend to raise money for suicide prevention.

Bill Taitano showed off a $6,500 check donated by Bixby Bicycles, a good start for a cause close to his heart.

"Our mission is to spread hope and continue to raise awareness for suicide prevention and mental health," said Bill.

He said tragedy inspired him to start Team Suicide Prevention.

"The loss of my daughter back in 2016 was a game changer for me. She was a victim of a murder-suicide, and so in honor of her I decided I was going to do something about it," he said.

Bixby Bicycles Owner, Buster Brown, also lost his good friend, Mike, to suicide.

"Great attitude, you would never have thought that, but something happened in his mindset and so it has affected me. That was kind of the closest to me so far," said Buster.

Bill and Buster joined forces to create a team that will take on the Ironman this weekend, in hopes to raise $50,000 for suicide prevention and awareness.

While Buster is busy tuning up bikes for this weekend, he's also thinking about helping others.

"Everybody has their own purpose. My personality is to encourage people, help raise money, help a cause that's already there or get a cause started," said Buster.

If you want to donate to Team Suicide Awareness, call Bill Taitano at (918) 645-2059 or visit https://www.teamsuicideprevention.com

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a hotline for individuals in crisis or for those looking to help someone else. To speak with a certified listener, call 1-800-273-8255.

The Veterans Crisis Line and Military Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1) connect veterans and service members in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text.

Crisis Text Line is a texting service for emotional crisis support. To speak with a trained listener, text HELLO to 741741. It is free, available 24/7, and confidential.