SpeakUp News February 2024

February 2024

Message from Grace Gallagher Executive Director, CKG Foundation

Elevate Minds, Summit Hope.

Climbing Kilimanjaro for Teen Mental Health

As my 50th birthday is approaching, I find myself reflecting on life's journey and the challenges faced by the younger generation. Inspired by my beautiful daughter Cameron, and a desire to make a meaningful impact, I decided to embark on a unique and symbolic adventure: climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

Kilimanjaro, with its majestic peaks and challenging terrain, became the perfect metaphor for the mental health struggles that many teenagers face today. The climb represents the uphill battle against depression and anxiety, and reaching the summit symbolized the triumph of resilience and hope.

Driven by a passion...

Feature Article:

by Clair Norman

February 26 - March 3 is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. Join us for "Disordered Eating and Body Image" featuring a panel of expert therapists. See section below to register for this installment of Conversations with CKG.

People with body image problems are not born with a natural aversion to their body

shape. Children demonstrate a natural curiosity about their body. They often react with

joy and wonder when they discover a new skill or nuance about their physical nature. "Look, Mommy, I can reach this high." "My curly hair bounces like a ball when I run."

Read the Feature

Latest News

CKG Foundation completed its first release of branded items available in our new CKG Spirit Store.

CKG Scholarship Program is under way. SpeakUp Club members are eligible to apply for one of two $2,500 scholarships. For more information, contact sarah@ckgfoundation.org.

CKG will soon release an additional printed journal as part of our mental health education suite of free e-learning mental wellness toolkits. These printed resources are beautiful, free, and serve as a stand alone educational and self reflection tool with mindfulness activities.

Mental Health Education

Join us for a conversation surrounding disordered eating and body image struggles among teens and the impact on their mental health. We will discuss the effects of the normalization of dieting in our culture, media influence, warning signs, how best to support someone who is struggling, and resources for help.

We will be joined by teen and young adult therapist Jessica Payne, LCSW-C, CATP, as well as panelists from Courage to Nourish, including: founder Alex Raymond, RD, LD, CEDS-S; Lauren Comunale, MS, RD, LD; and Kathryn Karukas, MS, RD, LD.

Registration is free and is required.

SpeakUp5k

Registration is open for the annual SpeakUp5k on Saturday, September 7 at Byrd Park or Virtual. During the month of February use code LOVE for $7 off of your registration. This is the lowest registration price you will receive all year long, secure your spot for RVA's biggest celebration of teen mental health!

Sponsorship Opportunities

The SpeakUp5k has some of the best marketing assets for sponsors. With our social media reach and in-depth media support, your company will enjoy a day of corporate wellness and will contribute to the area's largest celebration of mental health. Opportunities range from $500-$15,000. Please reach out to Missy Minton at missy@ckgfoundation.org for more information.

Thank You

Your support of our mission impacts not only individual teens and schools, but our community as a whole and generations to come. We are grateful that you choose to partner with us.

Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation

3200 Rockbridge Street, Suite 102

Richmond, VA 23230

Support our Mission

You Are Not Alone. Resources Are Available.

Mental Health Resources

Cameron K. Gallagher Mental Health Resource Center

Conversations with CKG Video Recordings

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

info@ckgfoundation.org

www.ckgfoundation.org