MEDIA ALERT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT
Diana Sechrist
Media Liaison, Shelane’s Run
(703) 574-0499
3rd Annual Shelane’s Run to Break Attendance Record
Event Raises Funds for Treatment, Taking Postpartum Depression out of the Shadows
FAIRFAX, VA — On Saturday, Oct. 13th, an estimated 500 local community members, police officers and first responders will participate in the 3rd annual Shelane’s Run 5K Run/Walk and Kids 1K at the Fairfax County Government Center. The event raises awareness for maternal mental health and raises funds to combat postpartum depression, the most common complication of childbirth (1 in 5 women affected).
In June 2015, Fairfax County Police Officer, Shelane Gaydos tragically ended her life while suffering postpartum depression, leaving behind her three beautiful daughters and husband (click to read Aug 2017 Washington Post article here). Shelane’s family and friends launched Shelane’s Run in her honor to memorialize her commitment to her family, community, and running.
To date, the race has raised more than $50K in just two years, funds that have helped establish and offer grants to families that may not be able to afford medical treatment or support.
Last year, proceeds from Shelane’s Run were able to provide 3 full and 14 partial scholarships to help train medical professionals to recognize and treat Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders. The race has also provided grants to 3 local Virginia mothers to offset the cost of private therapy or other treatments.
Nearly 50% of the participants last year were DC metro area police officers and/or first responders. This year attendance is expected to be record breaking.
WHEN: Saturday, October 13th, 2018
8:30 am Kids 1K Fun Run; 9:00 am 5K Run/Walk
WHERE: Fairfax County Government Center
12000 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax, VA 22035 Plaza
REGISTRATION: $30 adults / $10 children
Post-race family-friendly activities include rock wall, moon bounce, arts & crafts, touch-a-truck, face-painting, and more.
MEDIA CONTACT: Diana Sechrist (703) 574-0499
About Shelane’s Run. Shelane’s Run is the only road race in Virginia focused on maternal mental health. After the tragic passing of Shelane Gaydos on June 12, 2015, friends and family established an annual 5K Run/Walk and Kids 1K Fun Run in her honor to memorialize Shelanes' love for running and family. The race dedicated to spreading awareness of postpartum depression disorders and helping families find the support they need following the birth or loss of a newborn. Its mission is to spread awareness, promote postpartum support programs and resources, and encourage women and their families to reach out for help. The Run helps establish and offer grants to families that may not be able to afford medical treatment and emotional support. To learn more or sign up for the event, visit https://www.shelanesrun.org.
About Postpartum Support Virginia. Headquartered in Arlington, VA, Postpartum Support Virginia is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with the primary mission of helping expectant mothers and their families overcome anxiety, depression, and other perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). For nearly a decade, the organization has been committed to ensuring childbearing women in Virginia receive care and information related to perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). To learn more, call 703-829-7152 or visit http://www.postpartumva.org/.
About Postpartum Support International. Postpartum Support International (PSI) is the world’s leading non-profit organization dedicated to helping women suffering from perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, including postpartum depression, the most common complication of childbirth. PSI was founded in 1987 to increase awareness among public and professional communities about the emotional difficulties that women can experience during and after pregnancy. The organization offers support, reliable information, best practice training, and volunteer coordinators in all 50 U.S. states and more than 30 other countries around the world. Working together with its volunteers, caring professionals, researchers, legislators and others, PSI is committed to eliminating stigma and ensuring that compassionate and quality care is available to all families. To learn more, call PSI at 800-944-4PPD or visit www.postpartum.net.
