Local, small business raises awareness for mental health
IRON MOUNTAIN — Mike Pearson, owner of local stone Brick + Mortar, unexpectedly lost his lifelong friend David Furno in October after a long battle with mental illness.
Pearson, not one to sit idly by, developed a custom icon featuring the online gaming tag of his late friend. The “D13” icon is in remembrance of Furno, as well as, an effort to increase awareness of mental health.
Brick + Mortar has D13 merchandise for sale, including shirts for $26 and stickers priced from $5 to $10.
“Everyone is fighting their own battle. Taking the time to show some kindness or a little love may get someone through their battle that day. We are not alone in this,” Pearson said.
All proceeds will go to the Great Lakes Recovery Center, which aims to empower recovery through hope and change, by providing a variety of behavioral health services across the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Brick + Mortar is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and closed on Sundays.