Registration is Open for the IAM Strong Foundation 2nd Annual 5K

The IAM Strong Foundation has announced that the Second Annual 5K Run/Walk will take place on Sunday, May 1st. The IAM Strong Foundation was created in January of 2015, and seeks to shatter the stigma surrounding adolescent mental health issues.

The 5K will take place in Westwood, MA with an off road course beginning and ending at the Charles Flahive Field. There will be a 1.5 mile route for those preferring a shorter option, as well as an obstacle course for young children, and a number of children’s activities. In addition, a special balloon release will take place, to show how mental health has affected the lives of friends and loved ones. Balloons will be available with different colors signifying the personal connection to this cause.

Last year’s 5K event drew over 800 participants and was a wonderful opportunity for Westwood and neighboring communities to come together in support of adolescent mental health. Moneys raised from the 5K will continue to fund the IAM Strong Foundation Grant Cycle, as well as program initiatives designed to shatter the stigma of mental health issues. This past year, grants awarded funded an adolescent development speaker series at Thurston Middle School, teacher and staff attendance at a regional mental health conference, and a girl scout project for an original film about adolescent mental health struggles. In addition, the IAM Strong Foundation presented An Evening With Kevin Breel in Norwood, MA, where the nationally acclaimed comedian and mental health activist spoke to a full house, and the IAM Strong Foundation facilitated a panel discussion about mental health. Most recently, the organization sponsored Messages For Hope, where people of all ages gathered at the Westwood Senior Center to compose uplifting messages for teens that struggle with mental health issues. Hundreds of uplifting cards were created, which will be delivered to local hospitals and used online and in print, to provide support and comfort to those who need it.

Pre-Registration for the Second Annual 5K Run/Walk is ongoing, but to be guaranteed a race t-shirt, please register by April 11th. Details about how to participate can be found at www.iamstrongfoundation.org. To check out the IAM Strong Instagram page, go to @iam.strong.foundation. Their facebook page is at www.facebook.com/IAMStrongFoundation.