If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988, or go to 988lifeline.org, to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.
When Mikayla Raines was 15, she bottle-fed and raised a baby gray fox, which sparked her interest in rehabilitating animals. In 2017, at only 20, she started the nonprofit Save a Fox and over the years rescued more than 150 foxes, according to the organization’s website.
On Monday, her husband, Ethan Raines shared that Mikayla Raines died by suicide. She was 29.
“Mikayla was the most bright and shining example of what you could accomplish if you really set your mind to something. She was never held back by ideas that everyone else considered unrealistic,” Ethan Raines said through tears in a YouTube video. “She was on the autism spectrum, and while that made her life very difficult, it allowed her to hyper-focus on one thing, and that one thing was obviously animals.”
“Every single animal here just lost their best friend,” Ethan Raines added. While her rescue organization was dedicated to foxes, he shared that Mikayla Raines was dedicated to every animal she encountered including sheep and turtles. “She was not just a rescuer but an advocate. Her legacy is SaveAFox and despite her being the most important part of that, I am not going to let it stop here.”
Ethan Raines also shared that Mikayla Raines had borderline personality disorder, a mental health condition that is characterized by being impulsive, experiencing intense mood swings, engaging in risky behaviors and having unstable relationships, says the Mayo Clinic. People with borderline personality disorder are at an increased risk of self-harm and suicide with as many as 10% of people with it dying by suicide, according to a journal article from 2019.
“She was always in and out of different kinds of therapy, trying various mood stabilizers and meds, but nothing really seemed to help,” Ethan Raines said. “Looking at her from the outside, you could never tell what was going on in her head.”
Recently, Ethan Raines said that his wife faced increasing hostile comments and harassment.
“For a few years, a group of people had been throwing dirt on Mikayla’s name and the rescue. Most of these are people she knew,” he said. “They consistently spread ridiculous claims and rumors and being the sensitive human she was, Mikayla took it all to heart, and it hurt her.”
While he shared that she “pushed through” continuing to save the lives of “hundreds of animals,” on top of being a devoted mother to their daughter, Freya, and a loving wife. As time passed, the bullying became more personal.
#James Donaldson notes: Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes. Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use. Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.#http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book, #CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
“Recently more of the rude words, accusations and name-calling came from some of those she considered close friends,” Ethan Raines said. “She felt as if the entire world had turned against her. She had always battled with borderline personality disorder causing emotional instability as well as impulsive behaviors but this time it went too far.”
For 15 minutes, Ethan Raines performed CPR on Mikayla Raines until paramedics arrived and took over. But it was too late to help her.
Ethan Raines plans to continue her legacy.
“Despite this being the biggest loss of my life and feeling like I have a literal hole in my chest, I will not let Mikayla’s light be extinguished and I won’t let negativity win and I won’t let her mission fall apart,” he said. “I am going to continue to push to rescue the remaining fur farm foxes and after that save as many animals as possible.”
Ethan Raines also said he shared her story to encourage people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts to seek help.
“If you are feeling lost and hopeless, please reach out to someone — whether it’s friends and family or calling a hotline,” he said. “To everyone else, please please keep an eye on those around you.”
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James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
