SpeakUp News August 2023

August 2023

Cameron's Race: Year 10!

Why a 5k? Your mental and physical health go hand in hand. Ever noticed how you always feel better after a workout? A few ways exercise impacts your mental health are: gives you energy, boosts your mood, reduces anxiety, and improves self image. Cameron chose a 5k because she wanted the experience to be inclusive for all. The SpeakUp5k can be run or walked, and is for all ages and abilities.

The 10th Year! Ten years later and this is still Cameron's race. She designed the SpeakUp5k to be...

Message from Grace Gallagher Executive Director, CKG Foundation

“If I finish my race will you sign up for my 5k?” – last post by Cameron on March 15, 2014. She lined up March 16th, ready, nervous, worried, excited, and smiling. She did finish her race. She pushed through negative self talk and cramping muscles. She did this with family and friends cheering her on. She continued to put one foot in front of the other with the help of strangers clapping, handing out water, holding up encouraging quotes on poster boards. What beauty to see on that day. Full support, no judgement. Was it hard? Yes. Was she proud? I believe so.

Cameron asked us to sign up for her 5k because....

Timely & Notable

Don't Miss This!

Coming Soon: Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation Student Scholarship

Because of the generosity of a CKG Foundation Board Member, we are pleased to launch a scholarship program in the coming school year. We are working on details like application requirements, the review process and administration. Broadly, student applicants will demonstrate a commitment to their own mental health, action toward stigma reduction, and...

CKG Spotlight

Our Amazing Volunteers!

We have the best volunteers. Without you, we would not be able to put on our biggest celebration of teen mental health year after year!

Upcoming volunteer opportunities:

SpeakUp5k Prep: CKG office on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am-12pm

Richmond Flying Squirrels Game: Thursday, August 10th

SpeakUp5k: Saturday, September 9th

Learn More

SpeakUp5k

Less than two months before the 10th SpeakUp5k on Saturday, September 9! Join CKG for RVA's biggest celebration of teen mental health. A day you will not want to miss full of laughter, smiles, silly string, bubbles, and more. There's still time to register and to ask others to join you for this special event!

To learn more about Packet Pickup and Race Day details, click here.

Mental Health Education

CKG will be joined by guest expert Shannon Weisleder, survivor of suicide sibling loss and founder of Try to Matter, as we recognize Suicide Prevention Awareness Month with a conversation on grief, warning signs, positive coping skills, and proactive measures. We will discuss having conversations with your teens, ways to support them within and outside your home, and available resources.

This is a free event. Registration is required.

You Are Not Alone. Resources Are Available.

Mental Health Resources

Cameron K. Gallagher Mental Health Resource Center

Our Mission

To fulfill Cameron's dream and legacy by being a positive force that works to cultivate awareness and understanding of teen depression anxiety.

The CKG Foundation is qualified as a charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code: Tax ID 46-5172019. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

3200 Rockbridge Street, Suite 102

Richmond, VA 23230

804.528.5000

info@ckgfoundation.org

www.ckgfoundation.org