SpeakUp News October 2023

October 2023

Feature Article: A Place in History, My Story

It was December of 2019. I had just come home for winter break from my freshman year at college. I could barely look my parents in the eyes because I knew the conversation that was looming ahead of us. I sat them down after our night out seeing The Nutcracker, one of my favorite winter traditions and started the conversation. “Mom, Dad I want to tell you that I am a man and I want to start living that way…” and then I sort of black out after that. I cannot remember the words, I do not think I was able to form words through the constant sobbing. All this pent-up emotion that I had worked through for years finally gave way. The next thing I knew I pulled myself together and looked up at my parents, I had no idea what to expect...

Message from Grace Gallagher Executive Director, CKG Foundation

Have you ever noticed when a group of people stop and look at sunset things seem to slow down and become quiet? Usually there is a feeling of wonder inside your body. When we experience wonder, the noise of life seems to fade. Experiencing wonder and awe are real contributors to healing, especially when in nature. There is a part of our brain that involves both behavioral and emotional regulation called the subgenual prefrontal cortex. This part of the brain is also in “conversation” with our fight, flight, or freeze section -the amygdala. Brain scans have shown...

Timely & Notable

Don't Miss This!

CKG Joins Forces to Advocate for At Least One Full Time Registered School Nurse In Every School

Longtime CKG supporter and UVA Doctor of Nursing Practice Student, Sherrie Page Guyer, invited CKG to join forces with other advocates to speak to the School Health Services Committee (SHSC) on September 18, 2023. The group testified on the critical need for legislation to mandate at least one full-time registered nurse in each and every school...

CKG Spotlight

Maggie Pace

I am a freshman at West Virginia University, currently studying elementary and special education. Throughout my time in high school, I was a member of the Atlee High School SpeakUp Club and a member of the leadership team for two years. The SpeakUp Club has impacted me in many ways. Being a member of the leadership team allowed me to advocate for those struggling with their mental health. It gave me the opportunity to hold a leadership position where I was able to create and lead activities based on a topic I am very passionate about. The CKG Foundation led to my inspiration...

SpeakUp5k

Thank you to everyone who participated, donated, fundraised, and volunteered at the 10th SpeakUp5k! Over 2,500 people gathered in Byrd Park on race day to SpeakUp for teen mental health. Over 250 people participated virtually from California to Ireland and everywhere in-between! We have raised over $200,000 for teen mental health programs.

Race Day Photos: click here to see them! If you have not shared your race day photos with us please email them to raceinfo@ckgfoundation.org.

Race Day Photos

Mental Health Education

Conversations with CKG: Teen Athletes and Mental Health

Wednesday, November 8, at 7pm, via Zoom.

Teen athletes face a wealth of pressure as they navigate sports training and performance alongside academics, relationships, and everyday teenage life. We are honored to be joined by guests from Morgan's Message including Morgan's mother, Dona Rodgers, for a conversation surrounding the weight of expectations, creating balance, and encouraging mental healthcare. We will share lived experience as we discuss the struggles encountered by teen athletes and how we as caregivers can support them on their mental health journeys.

Registration is open and is free.

Kroger Community Rewards

A simple way to make your spending count for good!

Do you find yourself shopping at Kroger often? Give back to CKG while you do by enrolling in Kroger Community Rewards. This program makes fundraising easy by donating to local organizations based on the shopping you do every day. Once you link your Card to the Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation, all you have to do is shop at Kroger and swipe your Shopper’s Card.

Enroll Today

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