The Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation is changing the conversation around teen mental health. Their goal is to make it easy to discuss mental health, ask for help, and practice self-care anytime, anywhere. Their namesake was a wise and wonderful young person, determined to change the world. Cameron K. Gallagher was a 16-year-old who suffered from anxiety and depression. She understood the compounding nature of stigma as a barrier to seeking help.

Cameron envisioned a world without mental health stigma, especially for teens. She put plans in place to accomplish this goal. On March 16, 2014, Cameron died of an undiagnosed heart condition moments after she crossed the finish line of a half marathon. She chose running as one of her positive coping skills. She loved the enthusiastic support from strangers along the racecourse. Cameron knew with self-reflection and education, open conversations about mental health were possible. Our mission is to fulfill Cameron’s dream and legacy by being a positive force that works to cultivate awareness and understanding of teenage depression and anxiety. The goal is to remove the barrier of stigma in seeking help, to provide opportunities for open, supportive conversations, and bring free original mental health education to teens and their supporters.

CKG Foundation’s signature event, the SpeakUp5k is the world’s biggest celebration of teen mental health. It’s not just a 5k event, it’san experience. The tenth SpeakUp5k is September 9, 2023, at 9 am. In-person at Byrd Park (Richmond, VA) and virtual everywhere. To learn more, visit www.ckgfoundation.org. To register for the SpeakUp5k, click here.