IAM Strong Foundation Annual 5K To Be On May 5

The Westwood-based mental health nonprofit IAM Strong foundation will hold its annual 5K walk/run at 9:30 am on May 5, 2019 at Flahive Field at Westwood High School. The 5K will have timed, untimed, and 1.5 mile race options. A special registration rate exists for members of the 2019 class of Westwood High School, and people who wish to participate but can’t the day and time of the 5K on the 5th can register for a virtual 5K.

IAM Strong Foundation was founded in February of 2015 after the suicide of thirteen-year-old Isabelle Alexandra Medina (IAM) in September of 2014. Its mission statement is "The IAM Strong Foundation works to shatter the stigma associated with teen mental health issues, emphasizing the need to treat mental health issues no differently than physical health issues." The first 5K held by the foundation was in May 2015.

The IAM Strong Foundation 5K serves as their primary source of funding for their grants. Westwood, MA native, and high school student Olivia Malcomson received funding for her RealTalkAdoption.com website through an IAM Strong Foundation grant.

“[The IAM Strong Foundation’s 5K] is a great community event,” says Board Member Antonia Nedder. “It’s amazing the ways people from [Westwood and surrounding towns] come together during this event.” In addition to the race, the event will feature music, a silent auction, and a raffle. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase balloons in The IAM Strong Foundation’s signature colors of orange and white for a balloon release.

The IAM Strong Foundation’s 5K 2019 will be held on May 5, 2019 with registration starting at 8am and the 5K will start at 9:30am.

Edit: The author has corrected the spelling IAM Strong Foundation's name.