MOM Race Champions Mental Health, 10 Years Running

Royal Oak, MI, April 10, 2015 (Newswire.com) - May 2 is being hailed the biggest sports day of the year: There’s the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight, the NBA/NHL Playoffs, the Red Sox-Yankees game, the Kentucky Derby, and best of all the 10th Annual Mind Over Matter (MOM) Charity 5K Run/Walk will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 2 at Starr Jaycee Park in Royal Oak.

Maybe it’s not as big as the Kentucky Derby, but 10 years is a big milestone for what began as a very small event and has reached more than 5,000 participants and raised $155,000 for local brain research, suicide prevention programming, and crisis intervention services to date. This year, the family-run nonprofit has set an aggressive goal of raising $45,000 to bring the 10-year fundraising total to $200,000 for research and life-saving programs.

"Individually, we might feel broken, but together we are whole."

Julie Farhat, Mind Over Matter (MOM) Founder and Race Director

“The MOM Race isn’t just a 5K—it’s a truly unique event that brings together thousands of people to honor loved ones and remove the stigma often associated with mental health issues,” says Jayson Bauer, Community Choice Credit Union, Member Center Manager. The Credit Union that opened its doors to host pre-race festivities last year, is now the Title Sponsor of the 2015 MOM Race! “We love to sponsor Mind Over Matter,” Jayson says, “It’s important for credit unions to invest in the communities and the people they serve.”

Founder and Race Director Julie Farhat says she loves watching this homegrown event reach more and more people, but vows to never let it lose its tight-knit community feel, meandering through the neighborhood she and her three siblings grew up in. This year, all four siblings will run the race together in remembrance of their mother, Gail Boledovich, whose suicide in 2005 moved them to start the organization. “It's been 7 years since I've gotten to actually run in the race and this will be the first time we all run it together,” Julie says, “My dad is also planning on singing the National Anthem.”

Julie also designed and dedicated this year’s race poster to her mom, who was a talented mosaic tile artist. “I wanted to make it look like it could be one of her beautiful murals hanging in our hallway,” says Julie. “The broken pieces forming a beautiful landscape signifies that individually, we might feel broken, but together we are whole.”

Each year, newly bereaved survivors of suicide come to the MOM Race, many as teams, to honor loves ones lost to suicide. “When someone dies by suicide, it isn't just tragic, it's also an extremely complicated grief process. It is therapeutic to be around others who understand and just take it one day at a time, by putting one foot in front of the other,” says Julie.

This year, a number of new teams have registered. One was created to honor Christopher Anderson, a 26-year-old Ferndale resident lost to suicide this past December. “The race will give friends and family of Chris the opportunity to come together and share memories of a special person,” says team captain Lauren Shields. “Friends from near and far plan to race, promoting mental health awareness in the community.”

Come join this incredible movement to bring individuals, teams and the community together on May 2.  Participants can register by mail through April 15, online through April 27, or in person at Community Choice Credit Union from 6:15-8:30 p.m. on Friday, May 1. For more information and pricing, visit the registration page at www.MOMrace.org.

Those are unable to participate in the 2015 MOM Race, but would like to show their support, can also make a donation. All donations to Mind Over Matter are tax-exempt under IRS 501(c)(3).  Those who are interested in volunteering for the MOM Race, please contact Laura Casanta at [email protected].

Learn more about the MOM story, check out the race path and access mental health resources  at www.MOMrace.org.

2015 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: 10th Annual Mind Over Matter 5K charity run/walk to promote mental health awareness & suicide prevention.

Where: The race starts/ends at Starr Jaycee Park, located just east of Crooks Road on the south side of 13 Mile in Royal Oak, MI. Check out the course at www.MOMrace.org/race-info. Pre- and post-race festivities will be held at the large park pavilion (equipped with restrooms).

​When: Saturday, May 2, 2015. Race begins at 10 a.m.

Why: To erase the stigma, provide hope, and increase funding for life-saving programs.

How: To make a donation or sign up to run, walk, or volunteer visit www.MOMrace.org.

Additional Race Info: Base registration is $20 for 18 & under, $25 for over 18. To upgrade to a Technical T-Shirt, add $5. After April 15, add $5 plus any applicable credit card transaction fees. Children 12 & under are FREE, but must be accompanied by a registered parent or guardian. Hand cyclists, jogging strollers, dogs on leashes, and wagons are also permitted in the MOM Race.
Race Day Activities: Participants will enjoy live music, free face painting, access to a “Counseling Connections” booth, a chance to add loved ones’ photos on the “MOMorial,” plentiful refreshments, free mini massages, and a chance to win great raffle prizes. All MOM Race participants are also invited to the official MOM Race Post-Party from 12 noon to 2 p.m. at Blackfinn Ameripub, located at 530 S. Main Street in downtown R.O. for ½-off drinks and free appetizers.

Title Sponsor: Community Choice Credit Union

Event Sponsors: Beaumont Health System, C&G Newspapers, Chelsea Tischler Photography, Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel, Mans Lumber, Thomas J. Mohan PLLC, Troy Tile & Stone and Merrill Lynch.

​Charities: The University of Michigan Depression Center, Common Ground and KnowResolve.

For more interviews, press information, and additional information, contact Julie Farhat at (248) 376-4666 or [email protected].

Photography is available and requests for local participants in a specific coverage area are welcome!  

Additional story angles: ​

• 10th anniversary of raising awareness and funds for mental illness and suicide prevention.
• ​MOM Race takes place on May 2, the biggest sports day of the year!
• Dig out the running shoes: Charity 5K is a great reason to get active for a good cause
• Mind Over Matter becomes powerful community for mental illness survivors
• Ways to celebrate National Mental Health Month. ###