Sunday, May 18, 2025

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Hope for Depression Research Foundation (HDRF) will hold its Third Annual Teen Race of Hope to Support the Fight Against Depression in Manhattan at Pier 76, Hudson River Park on Sunday, May 18, 2025. Soul Cycle Master Instructor Stacey Griffith – a mental health advocate and social media influencer – will serve as the Race Emcee and deejay for the event.

The state of teen mental health is a growing concern, experts warn. More than one in three high school students reported feeling persistent sadness and hopelessness, a 40% increase since 2009, according to a recent national survey. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 15 to 19, and research suggests that almost 4,000 children and teens attempt suicide every day.

HDRF created the Teen Race to provide teens and their families with a screen-free opportunity to connect, be active, and raise mental health awareness. The event is organized with a working group of teen leaders from different public and private schools throughout New York City.

HDRF also hosts a Race of Hope annually in Palm Beach and Southampton, but the Teen Race of Hope is specifically focused on what experts describe as a concerning decline in adolescent mental health in the United States.

Noelle Saldana, a senior at Fieldston School in the Bronx, and Anysa Bickici, a senior at Dalton School in Manhattan, will serve as the Co-Lead Student Ambassadors.

Saldana said: “As I prepare for the event and continue to spread the word with friends and family, I want to thank everyone working to make the Race happen. HDRF is a team, and there are so many people working to make this a meaningful and impactful Race!”

Anysa Bickici said, “In my third year of involvement with HDRF, I have loved seeing the Race grow into what it is today! Watching teenagers, parents, advocates, and sponsors all come together for this cause is truly inspirational. I look forward to working with the HDRF team to spread awareness and raise spirits!”

Saldana and Bickici will be joined by 24 student ambassadors from throughout the city, as they lead participants on a beautiful 5K (3.1-mile) route along the Hudson River esplanade and public piers. Schools represented include: Brooklyn Technical, Chapin, Dalton, Fieldston, Lucy Beckam, Marymount New York, Newtown, Nightingale-Bamford, Phillips Exeter Academy, Riverdale Kingsbridge, Spence School, Stuyvesant, Trevor Day School, West Essex, Greenwich, and Dwight Englewood.

Some participants have chosen to run this event competitively, while others will opt to walk or stroll with their friends. No matter their age or speed, all racers are united in a common purpose – to support research into new treatments for depression and to help reduce the stigma still associated with seeking help.

The working committee of Teen Race Ambassadors includes: Sophia Blackwelder, Alva Carlston, Jolina Chow, Athena Climaco, Hannah Diker, Devin Donlon, Sam Firoozi, Grace Fisher, Lexi Goldberg, Leslie Hernandez, Tamara Honcharuk, Klarke Johnson, Christoper Keemss, Abigail Kidd, Caleb Lee, Angelina Lee, Angela Liu, Tiffany Ly, Riley Mountford, David Negrin, Angel Situ, Sienna Vadi, Alexandra Velazquez, and Tiffany Wang.

Participants include professional and first-time runners, teens, school teams, families, and children. Strollers and dogs are welcome. To participate, please visit https://www.nycteen.raceofhopeseries.com/.

The first 550 registrants receive a commemorative t-shirt, race hat, race bib, and a finisher medal; medals are awarded for the best time in different age categories, as well as for the highest individual fundraiser and highest fundraising team.

Registration Information:

• Date: Sunday, May 18, 2025
• Meeting Point: Pier 76, Hudson River Park at 408 12th Ave West, Manhattan, NY 10018
• Time: Race starts at 10:00 AM ET
• Cost:
  • Student: $17.50
  • Adult: $17.50
  • Adult (late registration): $27.50

Strollers and dogs are welcome.

About Hope for Depression Research Foundation (HDRF)

HDRF was founded in 2006 by philanthropist Audrey Gruss in memory of her mother, Hope, who struggled with clinical depression. The mission of HDRF is to advance innovative brain research into the origins, medical diagnosis, new treatments, and prevention of depression and its related mood disorders – bipolar disorder, postpartum depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorder, and suicide. The World Health Organization has declared depression the leading cause of disability worldwide, and yet conventional medications today are outdated and may not fully work for up to 50% of patients. HDRF is dedicated to improving the mental health landscape for many Americans.

The Foundation has provided more than $85 million through over 200 grants for cutting-edge depression research that aims to transform the way depression is viewed, diagnosed, treated, and prevented. Currently, HDRF has a new class of medication in early-stage clinical trials at Mount Sinai Medical Center and Stanford University. HDRF is also funding clinical trials into other novel therapeutics and diagnostic tests at Johns Hopkins, the University of San Diego, and the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Additional pilot clinical trials of novel treatments are in development as part of the drug discovery research of its Depression Task Force, an esteemed collaboration of premier brain scientists from around the world.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Participation in the Teen Race of Hope or any related activities is voluntary, and individuals should consult with a healthcare provider before engaging in any physical activity.

Published by Joseph T.