On-Site Registration Available Day of Event
EXPLORE – Mental illness affects 1 out of every 5 Americans. In an effort to bring awareness to this serious issue and to provide a hopeful message for all people affected by mental health challenges, the 8th annual Mike’s Run will take place on June 23, 2018 at the Steve J. Miller Shelter in Marshfield.
Al Nystrom has been the Chair of this event since he, his family and friends started Mike’s Run eight years ago. “We are inspired by the memory of Mike Hackman, a close friend of our family who took his own life after a lifelong battle with mental illness,” said Nystrom. “After Mike’s death, his brother Mark approached me with the idea of holding a run/walk in Mike’s memory. I immediately approached Marshfield Clinic to ask for their support, and we have been working together ever since.”
Since 2010, more than $250,000 has been raised to support mental health services. “This sort of impact doesn’t happen without amazing partnerships and Marshfield Clinic Health System is incredibly grateful to the Nystrom and Hackman families, as well as the entire Mike’s Run committee, for their continued commitment to improving the lives of those living with mental illness,” said Tiffany Halan, Director of Foundation Operations at Marshfield Clinic Health System Foundation.
Nystrom believes there is great power in people joining together for a common cause. “Mike’s Run is a statement that you need not battle mental illness alone,” he said. “Mental illness is poorly understood and often stigmatized in our society. This event helps us educate our community, which will lead to more compassion and care for those who are struggling with this illness.”
Participants can choose the 5-mile race or 2-mile walk route. Medals are awarded following the 5-mile run for the top finishers.
Proceeds from Mike’s Run have supported suicide prevention training to over 1,000 community members, school based character development and peer mentoring programs, professional and community conferences, youth programming and many other services through Marshfield Clinic Health System’s Behavioral Health department and Center for Community Health Advancement. New this year, event proceeds will assist with the funding of a Mental Health Patient Navigator at Marshfield Clinic Health System. This new staff position will be a single point of contact that connects patients and families with appropriate resources for their specific situation while offering support and guidance.
Registration for Mike’s Run 2018 is open, and participants can register and donate online at www.marshfieldclinic.org/mikesrun. On-site registration will be available prior to the race from 7:30-8:45 A.M. For more information or to volunteer or sponsor, please contact Anna Selk, Special Events Coordinator at Marshfield Clinic Health System Foundation at [email protected].
Marshfield Clinic Health System (MCHS) is a $2.2 billion integrated health system serving Wisconsin with about 9,000 employees and over 1,200 providers comprising 86 specialties, health plan, and research and education programs. MCHS primary operations include Marshfield Clinic, Marshfield Medical Center, Marshfield Children’s Hospital, Lakeview Medical Center, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Security Health Plan and Marshfield Clinic Health System Foundation.
