Carter Newcomb - his amazing journey to spread hope.

Late Thursday afternoon was emotional to all and also rewarding because our message regarding Suicide Prevention is being shared through an amazing young teenager’s journey.

Several members of Team Suicide Prevention met up with 18 year old Carter Newcomb. Carter just got out of a Mental Hospital two months ago suffering from depression, drugs, and the thoughts of Suicide. Carter, homeless since age 17, struggled to get his life back in order and decided that he needed a goal to save his life. This amazing young man decided to share his story with others through cycling.

As a novice cyclist and on a bike that Carter dug out of the trash, Carter is on a cycling journey starting from the state of Michigan on Route 66 and will be finishing in California. Carter was stranded in Sapulpa after riding over 1,000 miles due to mechanical problems and a ruined flat tire. After a series of Facebook and Instagram posts and other updates from Carter’s gracious supporters including great help from John Selby, Steven Sullivan and others along his route, our Team Suicide Prevention teammate, Mike Guillen was able to connect with Carter on Wednesday in Tulsa. This was truly a community wide effort of kindness and compassion from wonderful people to support Carter on his journey. Carter’s Bicycle made a stop to City Cycles for some major mechanical parts replacement plus a new tire. All of the repairs were free of charge to Carter. Mike and Carter went out for a tour of Tulsa and a day of dining a sharing stories.

Mike then notified our team to meet Carter and to listen to Carter’s story about his journey. Other cyclists including the Tulsa Diva’s were there to meet Carter as well. Route 66 patrons were there to give Carter items for his trip and Fox 23 News was there to interview Carter and share his story with everyone.

Team captain, Bill Taitano was also interviewed by Fox 23 News and talked about Team Suicide Prevention and our mission of spreading awareness and hope regarding suicide prevention by being proactive in helping those in need like Carter Newcomb.

Team Suicide Prevention provided Carter with food, money, & cycling equipment for a safe journey and escorted Carter riding his weighted 100 pounds of bicycle loaded with all that Carter owned from Sapulpa to Bristow, Oklahoma on the Mother Road Route 66. Members of our team all had an opportunity to visit with Carter during the ride and shared our stories with Carter why we are passionate about Suicide Prevention.

It was a beautiful ride with cool weather through the rolling hills towards Bristow. The team bid farewell to Carter at a convenience store outside of Bristow. It was getting late so Bill gave Carter his head light just for his safety and because he didn’t have one.

As the team rode back from Bristow, not a word was spoken about Carter because the group was just digesting all that happened. The team returned back to their vehicles, breathing hard, and then gathered in a circle of truth talking about what a unique experience with this 18 year old humble kid who never asked for help or anything.

We will follow Carter on his journey and have already contacted folks to help Carter at different cities and states on the Mother Road.

The experience with Carter will never be forgotten by Team Suicide Prevention teammates Eric Gomez, Kevin Smith, Bill Taitano, and especially Mike Guillen for enabling this to happen. This experience was all about loving, sharing, and caring to make a difference in someone’s life.

On Thursday, September 17th, that someone was Carter Newcomb! Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers for a safe journey.

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