Clair Norman, with the Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation (CKG Foundation), is our guest who talks to Edpsire about the CKG Foundation, mental health, self-care, and mindfulness.

The CKG Foundation is an organization who's 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.

Cameron Gallagher was a bright and talented teenager. Although ever-smiling, she faced her own personal battles with depression and anxiety. She began to grow weary of keeping her struggles a private battle, and knew that there were many teens just like her who were in great pain behind closed doors. Her dream was to create a 5k race in her community to raise awareness of teenage depression. She began making plans for the race, and titled the race the SpeakUp5k in order to draw attention to the issue of teen depression. She wanted to let other teens like herself know that it was okay to “SpeakUp” about their personal battles. During this time, Cameron also set a personal goal for herself and began training for the Shamrock Half Marathon. On March 16, 2014, sixteen-year-old Cameron completed her goal of finishing the race, and passed away suddenly from an undiagnosed heart condition after crossing the finish line. As her family discovered more and more of Cameron’s plans for the 5k, her family fulfilled her dream by holding the first race in her honor. Over 10,000 people participated in the May 2014 launch party, and 3,500 participated in the inaugural 5k race in Richmond in September 2014. Since then, the SpeakUp5k race series has expanded, and Cameron’s message has spread across the nation.

Share this episode and get involved! Parents, educators, and teens! All are welcome in the effort to help teens who are struggling. They have Instagram and Facebook. Check out their website! No one is alone...let's help bring people out of the dark and "SPEAK UP!"

This episode is dedicated to Cameron Gallagher. She is a true game-changer and her legacy is helping thousands...

https://www.ckgfoundation.org/ <----their website

CKG Instagram Account

Understanding Teenage Depression