Rotary club promotes ‘Morgan’s Message’

Milford-Matamoras Rotary Club recently invited Delaware Valley High School to speak about the school’s implementation of Morgan’s Message. Morgan’s Message is a non-profit organization that works to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health within the student-athlete community and equalizes the treatment of physical and mental health in athletics. The aim is to expand dialogue on mental health by normalizing conversations, empowering those who suffer in silence, and supporting those who feel alone.

As part of the conversation, the rotary club shared the inspiration behind Morgan’s Message:

“Morgan was a beloved daughter, sister, friend, and teammate. A tenacious individual, she gave 100% of herself to every passion, project and person she encountered. As an underclassman in high school, several high-caliber programs recruited Morgan to play Division I women’s lacrosse and she accepted an offer to Duke University. In January 2017, just before the beginning of her sophomore season, Morgan endured a dream-shattering knee injury. She spent the next 12 months determined to return to the field, undergoing surgery and dedicating herself to an intensive rehabilitation program. Morgan struggled with this abrupt change because she felt she had lost control within her life. As a result, Morgan’s self-worth plummeted. While she presented a strong, happy and resilient face to her community, she grappled with feeling that she was not living up to her expectations. Her feelings of isolation from the team and stress caused by other relationship issues accelerated the return of anxiety and depression. This time, Morgan chose to suffer in silence, keeping family and friends in the dark as she battled her mental health. As a result, Morgan died by suicide July 11, 2019, at the age of 22.”

The Milford-Matamoras Rotary Club meets every Wednesday at 12:15 p.m. at the Dimmick Inn in Milford. Anyone interested in becoming a member can contact Shaun Burger at 570-517-6654 or come to a meeting.