06/06/2026
SPENCER'S LEGACY
Men's Mental Health Initiative
Because Even the Strongest Men Need Support.
June is Men's Mental Health Month, and this year River & Root Aquatics is launching a campaign that is deeply personal to me.
Spencer's Story
Spencer Patterson was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, and conservation throughout South Carolina's Lowcountry and Midlands.
He proudly served in the United States Army as an artilleryman. He enjoyed training his dogs, learning every type of duck, turkey, and deer call he could find, and spending time in nature whenever possible.
Spencer had an infectious laugh and could find humor in almost any situation. His eyes lit up whenever he spoke about the things he loved. He was one of the most giving people I have ever known. He regularly fed those who were hungry, helped those who were struggling, and spent countless hours teaching young people about conservation, wildlife, and the outdoors.
To many, Spencer was the person you could always count on. The person who would show up when you needed him. The person willing to give without expecting anything in return.
What many people didn't know was that Spencer quietly carried struggles of his own.
After becoming paralyzed, Spencer lived the final 18 months of his life as a paraplegic. For a man who loved the outdoors, independence, and helping others, the transition was incredibly difficult. The battle he faced was not only physical, but emotional as well.
He went from being the man everyone leaned on to someone who needed help himself. Yet Spencer rarely asked for assistance and often struggled to accept it when it was offered.
On June 12, 2024, Spencer lost his battle with depression. His decision to end his life left family, friends, and community shaken to our core.
The purpose of this campaign is not for Spencer to be remembered for how he died. It is for him to be remembered for how he lived.
It is to keep his story alive, encourage conversations about men's mental health, and remind others that even the strongest among us may be carrying burdens we cannot see.
Our Mission
Spencer's Legacy was created to honor the life and memory of Spencer Patterson by raising awareness for men's mental health, encouraging meaningful conversations, and supporting su***de prevention efforts through the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention (AFSP).
How You Can Help
💙 River & Root Aquatics will donate:
• $10 from every order over $100
• $15 from every order over $150
• $20 from every order over $200
(Order totals exclude shipping.)
💙 100% of customer tips will be donated.
💙 River & Root Aquatics is personally contributing $100 to start the campaign.
🎯 Fundraising Goal: $1,000
💙 Beneficiary: American Foundation for Su***de Prevention (AFSP)
Additional Ways to Support
💙 Don't need fish, plants, or aquarium supplies?
You can still support Spencer's Legacy by making a direct contribution.
100% of direct donations received through this initiative will be added to the campaign total and donated to the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention (AFSP).
PayPal:
Venmo:
Cash App: $DillenWright8797
Please include "Spencer's Legacy" in the payment notes so your contribution can be counted toward the fundraiser.
Throughout June, we'll be sharing resources, stories, special livestock features, and ways to support the campaign.
If Spencer's story encourages even one person to reach out, ask for help, or check on someone they love, then his legacy continues to make a difference.
Need Help?
If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available 24/7.
📞 Call or Text 988 - Su***de & Crisis Lifeline
https://988lifeline.org
You are not alone.
Because Even the Strongest Men Need Support.
***dePrevention
***dePrevention
