Local Nonprofit Offers Stimulus Plan for the
Mind and Bod
ROYAL OAK, MI – It’s hard to escape the doom and gloom of the nation’s economic news. The global economic downturn, while wreaking havoc on wallets, is also having a detrimental impact on mental health. Unemployed adults have two to four times the suicide rates of employed people. A landmark Gallup-Healthways poll gauged the Emotional Health Index (EHI) of Americans every day over 2008. Findings show that emotional well-being overall dropped, driven largely by declines in mental health for the poorest people. Well-being plunged on days when the Dow lost big and with reports of high jobless claims.
While the government is trying to boost the economy with stimulus plan after stimulus plan, local organization, Mind Over Matter, is offering a mind-body stimulus plan: A 5K charity run/walk for mental health awareness and suicide prevention on May 2, 2009 at Starr Jaycee Park in Royal Oak. Physical exercise is proven to have positive effects on the brain, triggering the production of endorphins and improving self-esteem. The race also fosters dialogue and provides a supportive community centered on the taboo subject of suicide and mental illness. Participants are encouraged to run to break their own silence, or run on behalf of loved ones who suffer from the silent epidemic.
Mind Over Matter, lovingly referred to as MOM, is in its fourth year of holding the Royal Oak race, and has raised over $40,000 to further mental health research and suicide prevention efforts in Michigan in its first three years. In addition to the University of Michigan Depression Center, which MOM has supported since its inception, this year, MOM has taken on a new local charity: NoResolve. With teen suicide on the rise, No Resolve’s mission is to educate teens about the warning signs of depression and suicidal behavior through unique and powerful assembly-style presentations for middle schools and high schools.
The inspiration behind MOM is the late Gail Boledovich, mother of founder Julie
Boledovich, who took her life in 2005 after a painful three-year battle with schizophrenia.
In the wake of their personal heartbreak, Julie and her three siblings created MOM in an effort to prevent other families from having to go through the same thing. As a family of fit-minded individuals, Julie and her siblings decided to stage a 5K race in Royal Oak, their hometown and site of their alma mater, Royal Oak High School, formerly Kimball High School (Paul ’94, Lisa ’96, Trisha ’97 and Julie ’99).
“The MOM Race brings together people from all over the state who share my family’s goal of erasing the stigma surrounding mental illness and preventing suicide,” says Julie, founder and executive director. “Many of us are ‘survivors of suicide’ and carry with us a lot of unresolved pain, guilt and confusion surrounding our loved one's deaths. This is one day when we can all come together and talk freely about mental illness and honor the lives of those lost with the respect they deserve. It's truly a beautiful thing.”
Runners and walkers can register online for $20 (18 & under) or $25 (over 18).
Participants can also register on race morning for $5 more. Same-day registration begins at 8 a.m. and the race will start promptly at 10 a.m. Royal Oak Mayor Jim Ellison is scheduled to fire the start gun to commence this year’s event. All participants are eligible to receive free “door” prizes and the fastest male and female finishers will also receive prizes and recognition after the race. Post-race festivities will also include live music, light refreshments, free massages, and tons of information on resources from the U-M Depression Center and NoResolve. There are several new features to the race this year, including organic race T-shirts, entertainment along the course, and the unveiling of the “MOMorial,” a 3-D memorial to display photos of the people or things that have inspired racers to participate in the run/walk. “This will be a living memorial that we’ll add to each year,” Julie explains.
Several businesses have already stepped forward to support the 2009 MOM Race including OUR Credit Union, Hanson’s Running, C&G News, and Full Out Productions.
Paul Ehrmann, D.O. of the Family Health Care Center in R.O. - founder of the
Children’s Health Initiative Program (C.H.I.P.) and author of Generation XL, is also doing his part to promote this local health and fitness event. The MOM Race has also recently been endorsed by the Michigan Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports. MOM is still looking for additional business sponsors to help support the 2009 race, so apply today! All contributions are tax deductible under IRS 501(c)(3). For more information on becoming a business sponsor, please contact Elizabeth Finkel, MOM Marketing Director at (734) 731-4005 or marketing@mindovermatterrace.org. The application deadline for sponsors is Monday, April 20, 2009.
The MOM race is not possible without the help of volunteers. Those who are not interested in running or walking are encouraged to volunteer their time on race morning.
All volunteers will receive a commemorative t-shirt and recognition during the awards ceremony after the race. MOM is also seeking a volunteer photographer to capture the 2009 event. For more information or to sign up, please visit www.MindOverMatterRace.org.
MOM Race 2009 At a Glance
Who: Runners, walkers, and anyone interested in a pro-active way to help break the silence surrounding mental illness and, ultimately, prevent suicide.
What: Mind Over Matter 5K charity run/walk to promote mental health awareness & suicide prevention.
Where: The race starts/ends at Starr Jaycee Park in Royal Oak, MI. The park is located just east of Crooks Road on the south side of 13 Mile. Pre- and post-race festivities will be held at the large park pavilion (equipped with restrooms).
When: Saturday, May 2, 2009. Race begins at 10:00 a.m.
Why: May is National Mental Health Awareness month, and there’s no better way to feel good about yourself than to get out and exercise for a great cause!
How: To make a donation or sign up to run, walk, or volunteer visit
www.MindOverMatterRace.org.
Additional Race Info: Registration fees are $20 for 18 & under, $25 for over 18. Sameday registration adds $5. Children 12 & under are FREE, but must be accompanied by a registered parent or guardian. Wheelchairs, strollers, and dogs on leashes are permitted in the MOM race, but we ask that you be courteous and line up behind the competitive runners and please clean up after your pets. All registrants will receive a commemorative race T-shirt and are eligible to receive free door prizes just for showing up. Light refreshments will also be available after the race. Stick around afterward and ride the FREE Great Lakes Steamers train that runs through the park from 12 noon to 4 p.m.
Charities: The University of Michigan Depression Center and NoResolve.
