|
|
Why is the 5K/10K Run/Walk named the Fredrick Michael Gibson Run for Depression Awareness?
When the Free Clinic added a race component to the Community Health Expo in 2010, the Free Clinic has named the 5K, 10K and 1K Kids Fun Run the Tooth Fairy Fun Run, with the event providing funds to the Clinic, but with a focus on pediatric dental programs.
In 2017, the Free Clinic of Simi Valley changed the focus of the fundraiser to shine a spotlight on depression awareness and its counseling programs by renaming the 5K and 10K for Fredrick Michael Gibson.
In 2017, the Free Clinic of Simi Valley changed the focus of the fundraiser to shine a spotlight on depression awareness and its counseling programs by renaming the 5K and 10K for Fredrick Michael Gibson.
|
About Fredrick Michael Gibson
Fredrick Michael Gibson was a sensitive and brilliant person who tragically lost his life to depression in 2014, while finishing his last year at UCSD Skaggs School of Pharmacy. Despite his remarkable accomplishments, including receiving a B.S. from UC Davis in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, working in a lab doing research on the AIDS virus with Dr. R. Holland Cheng, a renowned researcher in the field, and having a research paper published in the AMA's Virology Journal, Fredrick struggled with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. Fredrick's family and friends knew him as a kind, loving, and talented person. He was passionate about tennis, video games, and spending time with his family. He was the beloved son of Kim and Keith Gibson and the cherished brother of Cathryn and Caryn Gibson. He was also the nephew of Karen Finmark, Race Director for the Free Clinic's 5K/10K/Kids Fun Run/Virtual Run charity events. |
Fredrick Michael Gibson
2/4/87 – 11/6/14 |
Fredrick's story is a painful reminder that depression can affect anyone, regardless of their achievements or talents. It is a serious mental illness that affects 1 in 5 American adults, and it is crucial that we all take steps to raise awareness and support those who may be struggling.
In honor of Fredrick's memory, the Free Clinic organizes the Fredrick Michael Gibson 5K/10KKids Fun Run/Virtual Run event for Depression Awareness. This event aims to help people find the resources they need for counseling, medication, and support to overcome the stigma of depression and other mental illnesses. By raising awareness and providing assistance, we can help prevent the tragic loss of life like Fredrick's.
If you or someone you know is struggling, it's important to seek help as soon as possible. You can reach out to a mental health professional for support or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or 988 for 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can assist people experiencing suicidal thoughts, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. In addition to calling, people can also text or chat with crisis counselors by texting "HOME" to 741741.
Please know that help is available, and you don't have to suffer in silence! If you're worried about a loved one who may need crisis support, you can also dial 988. Remember, there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow, and seeking help is the first step towards reaching that sunny day.
In honor of Fredrick's memory, the Free Clinic organizes the Fredrick Michael Gibson 5K/10KKids Fun Run/Virtual Run event for Depression Awareness. This event aims to help people find the resources they need for counseling, medication, and support to overcome the stigma of depression and other mental illnesses. By raising awareness and providing assistance, we can help prevent the tragic loss of life like Fredrick's.
If you or someone you know is struggling, it's important to seek help as soon as possible. You can reach out to a mental health professional for support or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or 988 for 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can assist people experiencing suicidal thoughts, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. In addition to calling, people can also text or chat with crisis counselors by texting "HOME" to 741741.
Please know that help is available, and you don't have to suffer in silence! If you're worried about a loved one who may need crisis support, you can also dial 988. Remember, there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow, and seeking help is the first step towards reaching that sunny day.
