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What is the Fredrick Michael Gibson 5K/10K & Half Marathon Walk/Run for Depression Awareness?
The Free Clinic of Simi Valley is hosting its annual Fredrick Michael Gibson Run/Walk for Depression Awareness. An event for the whole family offering a flat course for a 5K/10K, Half Marathon and Kids Fun Run where walkers, strollers and dogs on leash are welcome. Cash prizes are awarded for the top Female & Male in each of the categories, while all participants are rewarded with a swag bag and a delicious pancake breakfast. Free flu shots and an opportunity to donate blood are also available.
Beyond the fun of the race itself, the goal of this event is to raise awareness and break the stigma surrounding depression, and support others to get life-saving mental health services. Proceeds from the event benefit all programs of the Free Clinic of Simi Valley that support mental health. The Fredrick Michael Gibson Run for Depression Awareness aims to stop the silent suffering of those with depression and invites participants to walk, run, and heal together.
Beyond the fun of the race itself, the goal of this event is to raise awareness and break the stigma surrounding depression, and support others to get life-saving mental health services. Proceeds from the event benefit all programs of the Free Clinic of Simi Valley that support mental health. The Fredrick Michael Gibson Run for Depression Awareness aims to stop the silent suffering of those with depression and invites participants to walk, run, and heal together.
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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. Fredrick’s academic achievements included 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. Despite these remarkable accomplishments, 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 Coordinator of the Free Clinic of Simi Valley’s Fredrick Michael Gibson 5K/10K & Half Marathon Walk/Run for Depression Awareness. |
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, this event aims to help people find the resources they need for counseling, medication, and support for mental health. By raising awareness and breaking the silent stigma surrounding depression, we can help prevent the tragic loss of life like Fredrick's.
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.
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, this event aims to help people find the resources they need for counseling, medication, and support for mental health. By raising awareness and breaking the silent stigma surrounding depression, we can help prevent the tragic loss of life like Fredrick's.
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.
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.
