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. She began dreaming of a 5k race in her community to raise awareness of teenage depression.
On March 16, 2014, Cameron completed her goal of finishing the Shamrock Half Marathon and passed away suddenly from an undiagnosed heart condition after crossing the finish line. That day the Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation was born.
To fulfill our mission and Cameron’s dream, it is critical to help shift the current mindset of our society and reduce the negative stigma associated with mental illness. Therefore, teen programming is of utmost importance as we not only cultivate understanding, but also empower teens who are struggling to “SpeakUp” about their battles. Currently, we offer Mindful Mondays once a month to area high school students. This program is offered the second Monday of each month, October – March. Alex Peavey, our Mindfulness coach, provides strategies and techniques for managing stress and being more mindful no matter your surroundings: the classroom, social situations, or the athletic field.
Every Tuesday, we welcome teens at the CKG Foundation office at 9700 Gayton Road after school from 4:00-6:00 pm. Teens can do their homework, assist with art projects, provide office support, or just relax a little. Middle and high school students are welcome in our judgment-free zone!
In partnership with Minding Your Mind, we are pleased to offer “Minding Your Mind” to local high schools. The program includes an initial presentation by young adult speaker with life experience with teenage depression and/or anxiety. We then provide professional staff to facilitate interactive follow-up workshops. This program is prevention-based and the curriculum provides education and initiates conversation amongst teens regarding depression and anxiety.
To learn more about the Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation or register for programs, visit www.ckgfoundation.org or email [email protected].