My big brother and only sibling, Justin Arthur Wall, was the kindest soul I have ever known. His beautiful smile often hid the pain behind his dark brown eyes. When he laughed, it was contagious. Oh, what I wouldn’t give to hear that laugh again. And he gave the best hugs. If I close my eyes and concentrate hard enough, I can still feel them.
If you were in his life, he was one of your protectors; he fiercely protected everything that he loved. Next to his kind soul, that was one of my favorite attributes of my brother. Blind loyalty. Though I don’t doubt that it didn’t get him into trouble a time or two, Justin wouldn’t have had it any other way. Justin was also loyal when it came to his sports, with a particular love for the Cincinnati Bengals and Reds, spending countless hours watching, cheering, and supporting them.
Through many years and countless highs and lows, Justin bravely fought his struggle with depression. I saw him fight for more than half his life, in search of happiness that seemed to elude him, but not always. Justin had many beautiful moments and memories filled with laughter, love, and true happiness.
On August 28, 2012, he could no longer fight the pain, and he passed by suicide.
I’ve always done my best to keep Justin’s name alive; sharing stories, posting about him, talking to him. Anything to make sure his memory doesn’t fade.
That’s what led me to host donation-based spin classes, in his memory, at Define in Oakley to raise money for suicide prevention. Fitness has been something that has helped me through difficult times, giving me the space and moment to focus on myself and my physical, mental, and emotional health.
In 2023, I had set plans to host another donation ride in his honor. A few weeks prior, I had a thought – I wonder if other fitness studios and gyms would be willing to host donation-based classes as well, to remember those we’ve lost, inspire hope, and raise money for suicide prevention?
Thanks to amazing, supportive studios and gyms around Cincy, NKY, and Dayton, in a few weeks, we were able to pull together 32 studios, 500+ participants, and raise more than $11,000 for suicide prevention, and it grew even more in 2024, to 7 different regions in Ohio and Kentucky!
The idea is simple – host a donation-based class, Fitness For Hope weekend, to remember those we’ve lost and inspire hope.
It’s been incredible, and also very emotional to see the growth that Fitness For Hope continues to have, thanks to so many fitness studios, gyms, and participants giving it wings. I cannot wait to see it come together this year, September 12 – 14, 2025.
My hope is that those we’ve lost to suicide will never be forgotten, and those who are struggling will find hope, inspiration, and a reminder that they matter.
Forever in my heart, Justin. My big brother, my guardian angel, my free bird.