In loving memory of Nick Bales. BTR is a non profit 501(c)(3). Tax ID #83-2959554
In loving memory of Nick Bales. BTR is a non profit 501(c)(3). Tax ID #83-2959554
Nick Bales
Nick Bales started Brought to Reality (BTR) in 2016 while he was a sophomore at Arapahoe High School near Denver, Colorado. Nick suffered from anxiety and depression, and focusing on BTR enabled him to be creative, keep busy, and stay grounded in reality. Through his brand, Nick sought to bring awareness to teen mental health and to end the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Most importantly, Nick strived to encourage compassion among his peers. In his college essay, Nick wrote: “We should all help each other get through the difficult times.” Unfortunately, Nick did not have the opportunity to apply to college because he lost his battle against mental illness on September 29, 2018.
The Nick Bales/BTR Foundation consists of helping support teens suffering from mental health issues and aiding in the prevention of teen suicide. The Foundation takes a non-traditional approach because mental illness is not the same for everyone.
Nick Bales
“My goal is to encourage my peers to be true to themselves, to stay grounded in reality, and not numb themselves when times get tough”
Nick Bales
"Brought To Reality is a clothing company I started Sophomore year. I came up with the idea not only to make extra money, but to keep myself busy and grounded in reality"
Nick Bales
"My message is that life is precious; and I want to live every day to the fullest by being present, being myself, and following my dreams."
I don’t talk much openly about this, but I have suffered with depression for a while and BTR genuinely encouraged me to reach out for help and made me know it was okay. I now see a therapist and am on medication and I have you guys to thank for helping save my life. Nick was an amazing person and I wish I would’ve known him better, but I think it’s amazing how much you guys have carried on his legacy.
I absolutely love my BTR sweatshirt, and I just want to emphasize again how much this brand means to me and a lot of other people suffering from mental health issues. Nick started this brand, but you and your family have continued his legacy and he would be so proud.
I wear my BTR hoodies and mask loud and proud! I feel excited when someone asks me what BTR means and I can share it’s purpose to encourage kids to talk to someone and get the help they need when they are feeling down. It really makes me feel good to represent BTR and Nick’s cause.
"I am deeply grateful for BTR and their mission. As one of their therapists, I have been able to gain access to highly-impacted, at-risk young people who may have had difficulty connecting with therapists before or who may have economic or other significant barriers to therapy. BTR has allowed me to truly help, which is really why I do this in the first place.
Chauncy Billups
Von Miller
Check out the celebrities, athletes and musicians that support BTR because they believe in you.
With your help, everything is possible.
Gabe Landeskog and Maria Bales
Every donation helps teens suffering from mental health issues and aiding in the prevention of teen suicide
If we can help to erase the stigma of mental health and save just one life, BTR has succeeded.
