TOP (AND BOTTOM RIGHT): HAYDEN LUCAS LEADS THE WAY IN THE HOPE FOR DEPRESSION RESEARCH INAUGURAL TEEN RACE OF HOPE 5K
It was a sea of yellow t-shirts on Sunday, May 21st when more than 275 teenagers, their families, friends, and teachers flooded Pier 40 for Hope for Depression Research Foundation’s (HDRF) inaugural Teen Race of Hope 5K to defeat depression. On a perfect spring day, with beautiful views of Manhattan as a backdrop, participants set off on a 3.1-mile course along the Hudson River, unified in HDRF’s signature color t-shirts and hats.
The race was conceived by 17-year old Hayden Lucas in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month with the goal to bring attention to the youth mental health crisis in the US. and fight the stigma that still surrounds mental health and treatment. The event marked HDRF’s first Race of Hope in New York City, and the first one to be youth focused. HDRF also holds an annual Race of Hope in Palm Beach, FL. and Southampton, NY.
Lucas, a junior at Dwight High School, served as the leader of the newly formed HDRF Teen Task Force. Joined by 16 student ambassadors, Lucas was the Chief Student Ambassador for the Race. “When I came to the Hope for Depression Research Foundation with the idea of a teen race, they were all in, supporting me from the beginning”, Lucas told STYLE of SPORT. “Thanks to them we are able to run here today to spread awareness and work towards ending the stigma about Mental Health.” Read More