Ben's Memorial Mile To Honor Late Downers Grove Teen

DOWNERS GROVE, IL --- Benjamin Silver loved to run, but he couldn't do it as much as he wanted to. Still, the late Downers Grove athlete powered through injuries and physical conditions to excel on the DGN track and cross country teams. Then, when he enrolled in Ohio's Miami University, Ben began struggling with depression and was diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Ben's struggles continued as he attempted to treat his newly diagnosed condition with unsuccessful medications and difficulty finding medical care. Sadly, Ben Silver took his own life in 2015 at the age of 22.

Ben's Memorial Mile was started to honor Ben's memory with something he loved: running. Set for Saturday, June 16 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Downers Grove North, the walk/run festivities include concessions, a bake sale, kid-friendly activities and games, a raffle, and more.

The run will even focus on mental illness with a self-care tent set up on the campus.

Online registration for the run is only open until 12 p.m. on June 16. Runners and walkers are encouraged to register online as soon as possible at the Ben's Memorial Mile website.

Related: 'He Lit Up Every Room He Walked Into'

Image via Jamie Silver; shared in previous Patch article