8th Annual Moms’ Run to Benefit PPD

Celebrate mom this Mother’s Day by participating in the 8th Annual Moms’ 5K Run/Walk on Daniel Island, hosted by the Ruth Rhoden Craven Foundation.  The annual event is the Foundation’s largest fundraiser, furthering its efforts to educate and support women suffering from postpartum depression.

“This event is for all of the mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, sisters, brothers, girlfriends and husbands out there who have felt the sting of this illness. For the rest of the population, the Moms’ Run is a perfect opportunity to enjoy some family-friendly fun while supporting a very worthy cause,” says island resident Dr. Risa Mason, the Foundation’s executive director. Dr. Mason is a clinical psychologist with an office here on Daniel Island.

The Ruth Rhoden Craven Foundation was created in 2000 in memory of Ruth Rhoden Craven, a young mother who suffered from postpartum depression following the birth of her first child. Just two and a half months following her son’s birth – and with no prior history of mental illness – Ruth committed suicide. Ruth’s mother, Helena Bradford, and two of Ruth’s closest friends formed the Foundation as a way to honor her memory, prevent similar tragedies from occurring and help other women to access quality treatment and recover from this fairly widespread and often overlooked illness.

“This event is all about moms and their families,” says Dr. Mason. “We want to recognize women across the Lowcountry and beyond who are currently dealing with this illness or who have recovered from it.”

The Moms’ 5K Run/Walk starts promptly at 8:00 am at Blackbaud Stadium and continues through scenic Etiwan Park before looping back to Blackbaud for the Finish Line Celebration. Festivities after the race feature live entertainment by “Soul Fish,” free refreshments, fun for the kids and family-friendly vendors.

On Friday, May 6th be sure to stop by the Daniel Island Grille for some pre-race fun. The Grille will be serving a pasta dinner and salad special from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm. The cost is $10 per entrée.

Race registration is $25 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under.  Strollers are welcome.  Participants may also wear an optional sign in support or memory of someone with PPD.  For more information, go to www.ppdsupport.org .