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Kevin Love honored with Morton E. Ruderman Award for Inclusion for mental health advocacy

Akron Beacon Journal - 12/3/2021

The Ruderman Family Foundation on Thursday named Cavaliers forward Kevin Love with the annual Morton E. Ruderman Award for Inclusion for his work and openness in helping to remove the stigma surrounding mental illness.

Love has been open about his battle with his mental health and determined to help those dealing with similar issues related to depression and anxiety, namely in a 2018 piece he wrote for The Players' Tribute outlining his struggle. "To those of you struggling — I hope this helps," he wrote in the Tweet when the story was made public.

Love penned that there were days when he didn't want out of bed. "That's just the truth," he wrote. Since that time, Love has been amongst the most vocal professional athletes when talking about mental health and the stigma that at times can still surround certain circumstances.

In doing so, he has become an important beacon hoping to shine a light for anyone who might need some guidance.

"Love has repeatedly taken steps to eradicate the mental health stigma by sharing stories of his struggles with depression, anxiety, and other challenges," the foundation said in a statement given to the Associated Press.

"He has served as a high-profile role model for countless people facing mental health challenges, who can now use his courage and determination as a guiding light," said Jay Ruderman, president of the Ruderman Family Foundation, to the AP.

Love has established the Kevin Love Fund, which seeks "to inspire people to live their healthiest lives while providing tools for both mental and physical health," according to its website. Last year the Kevin Love Fund, in coordination with his alma mater, UCLA, established the Kevin Love Fund Chair in the school's psychology department to "diagnose, treat and de-stigmatize anxiety and depression."

"When I first spoke out about my mental health struggles, it transformed my life," Love told reporters. "Over the past few years, athletes around the world have shown us incredible courage by shining a light on the mental health toll that comes with extreme pressure. In doing so, they helped kick-start a cultural shift around mental wellness."

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