Save the Date: MOM 5K Run/Walk

This past year, mental illness has been under the microscope more than ever due to reports that Newtown shooter Adam Lanza, and gunmen before him in Aurora, Tucson and at Virginia Tech, suffered from mental illness. While this coverage may bring needed scrutiny to the shortcomings of our country’s mental healthcare system, it also brings with it a stigma that people who suffer from mental illness may become violent.   

Julie Farhat, founder of Mind Over Matter (MOM), a nonprofit organization dedicated to suicide prevention and erasing the stigma surrounding mental illness, wants to set the record straight.

“Experts agree that the vast majority of people with mental illness, even paranoid schizophrenics, are never going to be violent. The biggest threat the mentally ill arguably pose is to themselves,” she says.

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in this country. And it’s a major killer among young people -­ the third leading cause of death among ages 15-­24 and the second among ages 25-­34. In 2010, 38,364 suicides were reported in the U.S., the highest in 15 years. An estimated 90 percent of people who die by suicide have a diagnosable psychiatric disorder at the time of their death. 

Farhat and her three siblings created MOM in 2006 upon losing their mother to suicide after a painful battle with schizophrenia. This year will mark the Eighth Annual MOM 5K Charity Run/Walk, which to date has raised $90,000 for Michigan-­based mental health and suicide prevention efforts. In 2012, a record-­setting 750 people participated.  

Help MOM have another record-­setting level of participation by joining us at the starting line at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 4 at Starr Jaycee Park in Royal Oak.

The race continues to support  University of Michigan Depression Center research and KnowResolve youth suicide prevention programs, and starting this year, will also fund  Common Ground Sanctuary crisis intervention services. In addition, the event has become a mainstay for survivors of suicide and families suffering with mental illness to come together and feel a sense of community around a subject that is too often swept under the rug until it’s too late. Oak Park native Stephanie Kauffman has found strength to tell her story of surviving mental illness through the MOM Race.   

“I remember when I first heard about MOM, it made me feel like what I was going through seemed more acceptable,” says Stephanie, who has suffered from Borderline Personality Disorder. “The symptoms I was having from my illness and how alone I felt made me sink deeper and deeper into mydepression. Eventually, I began having a lot of suicidal thoughts, which then led to a few attempts.” 

Kauffman spent several years in and out of treatment centers, but with the help of therapy, medication and incredible strength, she is a survivor and has written a book, Living on the Border, to share her story about growing up with mental illness. She has also contributed to the MOM race since 2011. “The three most powerful words I needed to hear when I was at my worst was, ‘You're not alone!’ MOM gave me that!”

This year’s race boasts several new, exciting features. Prior to the race, there will be a yoga warm-­up for participants and face painting for the kids. Local singer/songwriter, Jill Huber, will kick off the race with a live performance of the national anthem and Mayor Jim Ellison will fire the horn to start the race at 10 a.m. After the race, Health Source Chiropractic will be giving free mini massages, there will be refreshments, prizes for top finishers, team challenge winners, and the DIY fundraising champion, raffle prizes, live music and charity updates. Finally, the fun will continue with an Official MOM Race Post-­Party from noon to 3 p.m. at BlackFinn Saloon in Royal Oak, with free appetizers and half off drinks for participants.

The MOM Race is a USA Track & Field certified 5K featuring state-­of­‐the art B-­tag timing for the most accurate results. This year’s racing bibs will also feature QR codes so participants can instantly check their results using a Smart Phone. 

“I am so pleased with how the MOM Race has grown over the years, but there is still much work to be done,” Farhat says. “Suicide continues to be big problem in this country and right here in Metro Detroit.  Many residents, including myself, are still reeling from the recent tragedies at Target Sports and Southgate Middle School.”

Farhat wants to send the message that resources are available for Individuals suffering from mental illness, and it’s okay to ask for help. “Early treatment success rates for mental illness are 60‐80 percent, which is very favorable. But those outcomes are only possible if the troubled individual steps forward for help. Unfortunately, less than one-third of those with a diagnosable mental disorder receive mental health services. Clearly, we have more work to do and it starts by erasing the stigma.”

Those who are unable to participate in the 2013 MOM Race, but would like to show their support, please consider making a donation. All donations made to Mind Over Matter are tax-­exempt under IRS 501(c)(3). MOM is also seeking local business sponsors to help with the event. Please act soon as the sponsorship deadline is Wednesday, April 24.  In addition, there is always a need for more volunteers on race morning. Interested parties can contact Laura Farhat at  volunteer@MOMrace.org.

Learn more about the  mental health research and suicide prevention efforts fueled by MOM, check out the race path, and make use of the many mental health resources available at www.MOMrace.org.

If you go

• What: MOM 5K Run/Walk
• When: Saturday, May 4
• Register: Runners and walkers can register online April 24 for $20 (18 & under) or $25 (over 18). Participants can also register in person at Royal Oak High School on Friday, May 3 from 5 to 8 p.m. or on race morning at Starr Jaycee Park from 8-­9:30 a.m. (add $5). For more information, visit the registration page of the MOM website.

Source: www.momrace.org