MOM Race Turns 12!
ROYAL OAK, MI — For the 12th year running, advocates of mental health and suicide prevention will take to the streets of Royal Oak to raise funds and awareness in the 12th Annual Mind Over Matter (MOM) 5K Charity Run/Walk. This uplifting community event will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 6 at Starr Jaycee Park in Royal Oak. Organizers expect more than 1,300 to participate.
Since 2005, the MOM Race has raised $250,000 for local brain research, suicide prevention programming, and crisis intervention services. In addition, the event has given participants an outlet for breaking the silence around suicide and mental illness. While spring is a time of renewal for many, it’s difficult for those battling mental illness. Suicide rates tend to peak during this time. In 2015, 44,193 Americans died by suicide, the most in 30 years.
“Losing someone to suicide can make you feel ashamed and alone,” says Melinda White, Madison Heights resident, who lost her close friend Jim to suicide.
“Many of us who knew him felt helpless and alone in dealing with this. When we found out about MOM, it felt like a great way to honor Jim’s legacy and to help others struggling with to same issues as he did,” Melinda says.
This year, color-coded bracelets and corresponding meet up trees will offer a whole new way for participants to connect with one another and express how mental illness and suicide has touched their lives. Racers can purchase silicone bracelets for $2/each that correspond to the following categories:
- I lost a CHILD to suicide
- I lost a PARENT to suicide
- I lost a SPOUSE or PARTNER to suicide
- I lost a SIBLING to suicide
- I lost a FRIEND or RELATIVE to suicide
- I’m a suicide attempt SURVIVOR!
- I’m so much MORE than my mental illness!
- I ❤ MOM
“With Mother’s Day right around the corner, the last category is a great way to honor your mom or just show your support for the MOM mission,” says MOM Founder and Executive Director, Julie Farhat, a mother of three herself. Mother’s Day is an emotional day for Julie and her siblings, who started the race as a tribute to their mother, Gail Boledovich, who tragically took her own life on May 1, 2005 after a devastating battle with schizophrenia.
“The idea behind the bracelets is for MOM Race participants to connect with others the “old fashioned way” and maybe make a friend or two who can relate to what they’re going through. It is so important for people to make real human connections and know that they’re not alone,” Julie says. “Therapists will also be on hand to provide support and help those that might actively be in crisis.”
Runnin’ For Peace
Last year Melinda recruited 24 people to remember Jim via Team Lewis. This year, she’s back with an even bigger team, and a new name. “We’re Runnin’ for Peace,” she says. “The name both offers tribute to Jim, who had a peace sign tattooed on his forearm and gives his friends a chance to participate in something that we hope helps to bring others peace.“
Melinda has already recruited more than 30 teammates to join her in remembering Jim this year at the MOM Race. “An event like this takes back the narrative and helps to make others aware that suicide and mental illness are problems people in their community face and give them the opportunity to help others.”
Join the movement
To participate in the 2017 MOM Race, register online at MOMrace2017.eventbrite.com by Thursday, May 4. Registration rates are $25 for ages 18 & under and $30 for adults over 18 (plus online processing fees). The cost includes a premium cotton/poly T-shirt, custom racing bib, professionally timed race results, refreshments, live music, and more. Participants who register after April 15 are not guaranteed their requested T-shirt/size, though organizers are making every effort to ensure no one goes home empty handed.
Those who are unable to participate in the 2017 MOM Race, but would like to show their support can help fundraise for MOM using Crowdrise. All donations made to Mind Over Matter are tax-exempt under IRS 501(c)(3). The MOM Race has also seen tremendous business support from the community, with 35 confirmed business sponsors and many awesome prizes donated for the post-race raffle. Participants can purchase raffle tickets as part of the online registration process or in person on race day. We are still seeking a few more able-bodied volunteers to help setup and secure the racecourse on Saturday, May 6. Interested volunteers, please contact Laura Casanta at volunteer@MOMrace.org.
Learn more about the MOM story, check out the race course and make use of the many mental health resources available at www.MOMrace.org. For more interviews and additional information, please contact Julie Farhat at (248) 376–4666 or director@momrace.org. Let us know your photography needs and we’ll happily find a participant in your coverage area to feature!
Additional story angles:
- New Royal Oak Mayor Michael Fournier will shoot off the race this year. The race is a great way to participate in his 50 Miles in 50 Days Walking Challenge.
- Ways to celebrate National Mental Health Awareness Month in May. ###
2017 MOM Race at a Glance
Who: Runners, walkers, and anyone interested in a pro-active way to help erase the stigma surrounding mental illness and suicide. All ages and fitness levels welcome!
What: 12th Annual Mind Over Matter (MOM) 5K charity run/walk for mental health awareness & suicide prevention. Participate individually or as part of a team.
Where: The race starts/ends at Starr Jaycee Park in Royal Oak, MI. Check out the course here. Pre- and post-race festivities will be held at the large park pavilion (equipped with restrooms).
When: Saturday, May 6, 2017. Race begins at 10 a.m.
Why: To erase the stigma, provide hope, and increase funding for life-saving programs.
How: To sign up for the race, make a donation, or volunteer visit www.MOMrace.org.
Additional Race Info: Registration rates are $25 for 18 & under and $30 for adults over 18 (plus online processing fees). Children 12 & under are FREE, but must be accompanied by a registered parent or guardian.
Race-Day Activities: Live music, free face painting provided by Pixieland Face Painting, yoga warm-up provided by Center Stage, local counselors on hand, plentiful refreshments, a chance to win great raffle prizes, and add loved ones’ photos to our living “MOMorial.”
Title Sponsor: Farhat Family Homes
Major Sponsors: Beaumont and Women First Ob-Gyn Center
Event Sponsors: Afia Health, Bright Side Dental, Bruegger’s Bagels, C&G Newspapers, Chelsea Tischler Photography, Co. 512 Original Athletics, Community Choice Credit Union, F.D. Lake Construction & Industrial Supplies, Fintentional, Four5 Ink, G. Colombini Counseling, Hansons Running, Holiday Market, Kabot Orthodontics, Main Floor Covering, Mans Lumber & Millwork, Merrill Lynch, The Home Depot and Thomas J. Mohan, PLLC. See the rest of our 2017 business sponsors.
Charities: The University of Michigan Depression Center, Common Ground and KnowResolve.
