Donor Spotlight: Deirdre Griffith

Deirdre Griffith, a local real estate professional, is raising funds for women’s mental health in Jackson Hole as a participant in the world’s longest and toughest horse race.

The Mongol Derby is a grueling 1,000-kilometer competition across the steppe of Mongolia, which traces the former routes of Genghis Khan’s horseback messenger system. Deirdre competed against hundreds of applicants from around the world to be one of forty riders to embark on the ten-day journey taking place Aug. 11-20. The race is more than an adventure, it also requires its participants to raise money for a charity of their choice.

Deirdre is raising money to support women struggling with pre-and postpartum depression and other mental health issues surrounding pregnancies through the St. John’s Health Foundation.

Deirdre worked for several cattle ranches and outfitters while completing her undergraduate and masters degrees at Colorado State University. After graduating, she fulfilled her dream by moving to Jackson Hole and joining the Triangle X Ranch as a packer, camp cook, and wrangler in the hunting camp.

“I was hired on taking summer pack trips and sharing my love of the mountains with guests. Packing, cooking, and working for guests on trips was exhausting, exhilarating, and absolutely beyond comparison,” says Deirdre. She met her husband, Vance, at the Triangle X Ranch, and the two enjoyed several wonderful years working together in the backcountry. Soon after starting work on the Twin Eagle Ranch in Cora, WY, they started a family and now have two little girls, Lilah and Delaney.

“I struggled with postpartum depression with both of my pregnancies. Discouraged and too exhausted by what seemed to be a parttime job of getting help, I stopped trying to get professional help and went it alone,” says Deirdre.

Postpartum depression is a complex mix of physical, emotional, and behavioral changes that occur in some women following pregnancy and delivery. Most new mothers experience the “baby blues” after delivery, however, Postpartum Support International estimates that 1 in 5 women will develop a more severe and longerlasting depression after delivery.

Deirdre’s fundraising goal is $50,000 and she promises donations will go twice as far thanks to a match promised by a generous donor. As of March 5, 2021, Deirdre has raised $44,483.

“Women in our community deserve a resource they can call to easily access support. I’m excited to present the St. John‘s Health Foundation with a check of $100,000 when I depart for the Mongol Derby in August,” says Deirdre.

To learn more about Deirdre’s journey to the Mongol Derby visit deirdresmongolderby2021.com.