The Fraternal Order of Eagles # 3739 in Bassett held a Suicide Prevention Memorial Ride last month, in honor of Isaac Rakes, a Patrick County High School student who died by suicide on March 20, 2022.
Isaac was passionate about music, enjoyed being part of the school band, and looked forward to band camp each year.
The ride raised funds to help Patrick County High School students attend band camp in his memory. It attracted a large group of bikers, many of whom had been personally affected by suicide.
John Dillon, known as “John Deere,” was among the participants.
“Every person, somehow or another, has dealt with suicide. Family members, friends, and military—there’s a lot of suicide in the military. I want to support any organization that tries to reduce the suicide rate,” said Dillon.
Dillon emphasized the importance of supporting those who are actively working in suicide prevention. “Without support, it’s so easy to make a wrong decision,” he said.
He added that community involvement matters deeply. “I’m here because I don’t want to see anyone commit suicide, simple as I can put it.” The emotional toll on survivors, Dillon said, is far-reaching. “It’s gonna affect them, it’s just that simple.”
Isaac’s grandmother, Rhonda Brown, also attended the event.
“We are raising money to support the Patrick County Marching Band right now, but we hope to branch out. Music is very important, and he was a marching Cougar, and he was on the drum line, so we raised money to help their expenses. I’m very thankful to the Eagles and to them,” Brown said.
The ride followed U.S. 58 before looping back to the Eagles Club. It was led by a biker known as Thumper.
“He truly was born to play music; he taught himself to play the piano and guitar. He started in the band on the horn and then went to the drums. He was special to all of us,” Brown said of Rakes.
Isaac’s band director described him as a man of few words. “When he was marching or playing music, he came alive, he was in his element. That’s why I think music is so important.”
Brown said she hopes no other family has to endure the same pain. “Our children are our future, and we got to save them.”
Need Help? You’re Not Alone.
If you’re struggling, feel overwhelmed, or know someone who is — there’s help. Talking about mental health isn’t always easy, but reaching out can make a huge difference. You’re not alone, and people care about you.
Signs Someone Might Need Help:
- Talking about feeling hopeless or wanting to disappear
- Pulling away from friends or family
- Big mood swings or feeling super down
- Saying goodbye or giving away stuff
- Trouble sleeping, eating, or keeping up at school
If You Need to Talk, Here’s Where to Start:
* Call or text 988 — Free, private support any time, 24/7
* Text HOME to 741741 — Crisis Text Line connects you with someone who gets it
* Talk to a trusted adult — A teacher, school counselor, coach, or parent can help
Local Help is available in Henry and Patrick counties and Martinsville at Piedmont Community Services.
* Call the Crisis Line at 1-855-245-6350
* Visit the website: www.piedmontcsb.org
Remember:
* It’s okay to ask for help.
* You don’t have to go through it alone.
* Your life matters—and there are people ready to listen.
