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Activist Randi Silverman To Co-chair Mental Health Event

DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. -- A survivor of breast cancer and now a mental health activist and filmmaker, Randi Silverman, is a co-chair of The Mental Health Association’s On the Move 5K Run/Walk & 1-Mile Kids’ Race.

Randi Silverman

Randi Silverman

Photo Credit: Rosemary Feichtl
The Mental Health Association’s On the Move 5K Run/Walk & 1-Mile Kids’ Race is a family-friendly event.

The Mental Health Association’s On the Move 5K Run/Walk & 1-Mile Kids’ Race is a family-friendly event.

Photo Credit: Rosemary Feichtl

As Silverman puts it: “Throughout my battle with cancer, I spent a great deal of time pondering why I received casseroles and flowers almost daily during my illness, but when my son was so disabled by depression and anxiety that he couldn't leave the house I didn't hear from anyone! I believe that it all comes down to stigma. People are uncomfortable with things they don't understand, and the only way to ease that discomfort is to educate and talk about the situation openly and honestly.”

The 5K offers a very public way to raise awareness and come together for the cause.

MHA On the Move takes place on Sunday, May 4, at 8 a.m. at FDR State Park in Yorktown Heights. Eight-time Emmy winner Lou Young of WCBS will kick off the event along with Silverman and her fellow co-chairs, Amy Collins of Somers and Ann Mandel Laitman of Bedford.

Children get their own fun warm-up and 1-Mile Kids’ Race (ages 4-12) plus ribbons for each runner and medals for the top three girls and boys. Everyone gets healthy food and a fun morning in the park. All participants receive a free T-shirt. The race will be timed by the Taconic Road Runners, with medals awarded in each age category as well as overall top male/female.

Parking is free. For more information and to register, visit http://www.mhawestchester.org

MHA is a community-based mental health agency that has been helping Westchester County residents for 68 years through direct services, professional and community education and advocacy. MHA supports 18,000 individuals annually through a comprehensive array of mental health services striving to help each individual to achieve their personal goals and to lead independent and healthy lives.

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