“Mental health is such a critically important issue, and it’s heartening to see it come out of the woodwork in a way that is unprecedented,” said Couric, speaking from the steps of the Southampton Cultural Center right before the 8:30 am starting gun.

She added:  “HDRF gathers all the top-rated brain scientists in the country and the world to figure out how to tackle these psychological issues, because they are like physical issues and they should be treated as such. A better understanding of how our brains work and how our brain chemistry works — it’s so important.”

HDRF Founding Chair Audrey Gruss and Board member Arthur Dunnam, both Hamptons residents, also stood with Couric as Co-Grand Marshals of the 5K walk/run, which is a USA Track and Field-sanctioned event. 

“I founded HDRF to lead research in the causes of depression and in their treatment,” said Gruss to the crowd.  “Due to you and your support out here every year for five years, HDRF is now the leading depression research organization in the country. We have several new treatments in clinical trials and we won’t quit until there’s a cure.” 

At the starting gun, participants set off in staggered waves to complete the 3.1-mile course around Lake Agawam and the tree-lined streets of Southampton, NY.   Many sported hats, shirts and vests in HDRF’s signature yellow, creating a sea of sunshine against the backdrop of cloudy skies. 

The staggered heats were a safety measure to avoid crowding and ensure a safe return to in person racing.  While fundraising broke records, the number of participants was down compared to normal years with turn-outs of over 700.  This is likely due to the slow reopening of public life and multiple demands on our time in the post-Covid era. 

Along with the in-person event, HDRF Race organizers also provided a virtual “opening ceremony” for another 300 participants who signed up to complete the distance in their own hometowns.   A live broadcast streamed on the HDRF website, featuring messages of hope from runners across the country and a countdown to the 8:30 AM starting gun.

At the close of the Race, Audrey Gruss handed out Awards for several categories. First Prize for best male time went to Sergey Avramenko, and First Prize for the best female time went to Una Broderick.   The Award for Top Fundraising Team went to Jessica Wagner and Team Wagner, which raised $2,000.  The Award for Top Individual Fundraiser went to Arthur Dunnam, who raised $36,468 from friends and family for his race.  The award for largest team went to Natasha Jefferies and her team, Dakari’s Heartbeat, with 13 members.  

All race participants received an ultra-lightweight vest, hat, race shirt, mask, and finisher medal.  The first, second, and third place winners received cash prizes of up to $500. Successful fundraisers also received special prizes for raising upwards of $250 and $1,000. 

Race participants included: Lisa M. Aery, Carolina Benabib, Bill Bone, Janna Bullock, Jamee and Peter Gregory, Kim Heirston, Tania Higgins, Karen and Richard LeFrak, Matt Oleszczuk, Jenny and John Paulson, James and Teresa Remez and their daughters Sofia and Lila, Mirella Cameran-Reilly, Kevin Richards, Scott Snyder, Susan and Rob Taylor, Victoria Wyman, Clelia & Tom Zacharias and Richard Ziegelasch.

5K Race of Hope Committee:

Lisa M. Aery,  Kelly Ashton & Carlo B Sant Albano, Felice & Shelley Bergman, William Secord & Bruce Bierman, Jill Blanchard, Serena Bowman, Janna Bullock, Lili Cavendish, Julie & Mike Connors, Ide & David Dangoor, Beth Rudin DeWoody, Roy Cohen & Arthur Dunnam, Lisa & Sandy Ehrenkranz, Marjorie & Alexander P. Federbush, Bambi & Roger Felberbaum, Ambassador David and Jennifer Fischer, Frances Fisher, Bill Ford, Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Ford, Mary Ann Fribourg, Clo D. Giffen, Judith S. Giuliani, Barbara & Alan Glatt, Mrs. Darcy Gould, Jamee & Peter Gregory, Mrs. John (Susan) Gutfreund, Mayme & Montague Hackett Jr., Candy  Hamm, Mai Hallingby Harrison, Kim Heirston, Yaz & Valentin Hernández, Tania & Brian Higgins, Elizabeth & Edgar Howard, Mario Nievera & Travis Howe, Nicki Harris & J. Ira, Benigna Kirsten, Kontes Family, Judy & Leonard Lauder, Mr. & Mrs. Richard Mack, Ann & Cameron MacRae, Isabella & J. Paul Meyer, Susan & Joe Meyer, Muffy & Donald Miller, Mary P. Moran, Lucia N. Musso, Margo & James Nederlander, Anne S. Nordeman, Jane & Richard Novick, Francesca Stanfill Nye, Pamela Pantzer, Jenny & John Paulson, Robin Pickett, Kathy Prounis, Michael Donnell & Thomas C.  Quick, Joanna Roland, Hilary Geary Ross, Frances G. Scaife, Barbara & Randall Smith, Scott Snyder, Ginny & David Sydorick, Debbie & Jack Thomas, Susan Warner, Lynne Wheat, Victoria Wyman, Clelia & Tom Zacharias, Richard Ziegelasch and Silvia Zoullas

5K Race of Hope Sponsors:

Down to Earth, Impala Asset Management, Jacob Antilety Landscaping, Livingston Builders, Liquid I.V., Sant Ambroeus, Scott’s Protein Balls, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, Wirebox, Wölffer Estate Vineyard

The Race of Hope starts the lead-in to HDRF’s 15^th Anniversary HOPE Luncheon Seminar which will be held on November 10^th at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. The event will focus on “The Importance of the Gut Microbiome to Your Mental Health,” and will salute the research progress of HDRF’s acclaimed team of world-renowned brain researchers.  

What is HDRF, and a quick overview of their work/achievements in the past decade:

•                   HDRF is the leading non-profit dedicated solely to advanced depression research.

•                   Audrey Gruss founded the organization in 2006 in memory of her mother, Hope, who struggled with depression.

•                   The mission of HDRF is to fund cutting-edge neuroscience research into the origins, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of depression and other related mood disorders.

•                   In 2010, HDRF launched its Depression Task Force – a collaboration of nine leading scientists, at the frontiers of brain science, from different research institutions across the U.S. and Canada. To accelerate breakthrough research, they share ongoing results, in real-time, at the HDRF Data Center.

•                   HDRF has invested over $35 million in advanced depression research to date.

About Depression:

•                   In the United States, depression affects over 20-million adults each year – that is one in 10 adults.

•                   Depression is the leading cause of suicide. In the United States, one person dies by suicide every 11 minutes – over 47,000 people per year.

•                   Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide.

•                   Depression costs society $210 billion annually – 60% of which represents reduced efficiency at work and costs related to suicide.

The Crisis in Research and Treatment:

•                   50% of those diagnosed with depression do not fully respond to existing treatments. 

•                   In 35 years since the introduction of Prozac and other SSRI anti-depressants, there has been almost no change in the treatment of depression.

•                   Although depression is one of the most serious and prevalent conditions in the US, it is ranked 77th (out of 250) in the amount of federal funding it receives.

•                   Most of the major pharmaceutical companies have discontinued brain research.

What Makes HDRF Different:

•                   The Depression Task Force represents the most innovative approach to neuroscience research today.

•                   The Task Force has created an unprecedented research plan with each member executing a piece of the plan in their own laboratories.  By avoiding well-worn paths of research, the team is shaking up the field for answers that will finally lead to new treatments for depression.  

•                   They share results in real-time at a centralized data bank. This allows them to leverage data to accelerate research. This is unheard of in the entire scientific research field which is normally competitive and not collaborative. 

The post Katie Couric Leads 220 Runners at Sixth Annual Race of Hope & Raises $325,000 appeared first on NY UNDRESSED.

“We are so excited to be able to gather again in person for this event that raises mental health awareness and critical funds for depression research,” said HDRF Founder and Chair Audrey Gruss, a Southampton resident.  “Humans are wired to need warm social interaction.  The isolation of the pandemic has taken a large toll on the nation’s mental health.”

Gruss noted surveys showing that over one third of Americans are struggling with depression and anxiety in the wake of the pandemic.  She said: “As a society we are just beginning to identify the impact of the past 16 months.  Understanding and developing treatments for these mental disorders is therefore critically important, and that is what this Race makes possible.”

Gruss is a Co-Grand Marshal of the Race along with East Hampton resident Arthur Dunnam.  They will lead participants on a beautiful 5K (3.1 mile) loop around Lake Agawam in Southampton Village.  The Race is open to all ages and speeds and walkers are welcome.  The event has grown quickly over the years, with 750 participants in 2019.  This year, organizers expect hundreds of participants, up to a maximum allowance of 500, per New York State guidelines.  The Race of Hope has raised over $1 million for research since its inception in 2016.

It is important to note that the Race this year will still offer a virtual component for the thousands of racers who have embraced the cause and want to participate but live far away.  They will still have the option to sign up and complete the distance in their own hometowns.  These racers will also have a chance to share their stories and cheer each other through a special interactive live program broadcast by HDRF over social media on the morning of the actual Race. 

In-Person Registration Information:  

·       Go online to www.raceofhopeseries.com and register for a fee of $35 July 12 (the price increases to $40 after this date).

·       Each participant will receive an ultra-lightweight vest, hat, race shirt, mask and finisher medal.  (While supplies last.  Gear is distributed on a first come first served basis)

·       Meeting Point: The Cultural Center, 25 Pond Lane, Southampton, NY

·       Date: Sunday, August 8^, 2021

·       Time: Check-in begins at 7:15am and the Race of Hope begins at 8:30am SHARP.

Virtual Registration Information:

·       Go online to www.raceofhopeseries.com and pre register for a fee of $35 July 12 (the price increases to $40 after this date).

●      Participants choose their own trail and receive special Race gear in the mail (while supplies last).  They can walk or run the distance on their own time and in their own hometowns.

●      The special live broadcast made especially for their virtual racers will begin on Sunday, August 8, 2021 at 8 AM.   The broadcast will be hosted by HDRF’s Race Director and Executive Director.  They will welcome viewers, show messages of hope from participants across the country, and then blow the starting gun at 8:30 am ET.   Any racers who want to complete their courses at the exact same time as the actual race in Southampton can do so with the live broadcast!

5K Race of Hope Committee

Lisa M. Aery,  Kelly Ashton & Carlo B Sant Albano, William Secord & Bruce Bierman, Jill Blanchard, Serena Bowman, Janna Bullock, Lili Cavendish, Julie & Mike Connors, Beth Rudin DeWoody, Roy Cohen & Arthur Dunnam, Lisa & Sandy Ehrenkranz, Bambi & Roger Felberbaum, Ambassador David and Jennifer Fischer, Frances Fisher, Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Ford, Mary Ann Fribourg, Judith S. Giuliani, Barbara & Alan Glatt, Mrs. Darcy Gould, Jamee & Peter Gregory, Mrs. John (Susan) Gutfreund, Mayme & Montague Hackett Jr., Candy  Hamm, Mai Hallingby Harrison, Kim Heirston, Tania & Brian Higgins, Elizabeth & Edgar Howard, Mario Nievera & Travis Howe, Nicki Harris & J. Ira, Benigna Kirsten, Kontes Family, Judy & Leonard Lauder, Karin Luter, Mr. & Mrs. Richard Mack, Ann & Cameron MacRae, Isabella & J. Paul Meyer, Susan & Joe Meyer, Muffy & Donald Miller, Mary P. Moran, Lucia N. Musso, Anne S. Nordeman, Jane & Richard Novick, Francesca Stanfill Nye, Pamela Pantzer, Jenny & John Paulson, Robin Pickett, Kathy Prounis, Michael Donnell & Thomas C.  Quick, Hilary Geary Ross, Frances G. Scaife, Scott Snyder, Ginny & David Sydorick, Susan Warner, Lynne Wheat, Victoria Wyman, Clelia & Tom Zacharias, Richard Ziegelasch, Silvia Zoullas

5K Race of Hope Sponsors

Impala Asset Management, Jacob Antilety Landscaping, Livingston Builders, Sant Ambroeus, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, Wirebox

What is HDRF, and a quick overview of their work/achievements in the past decade:

•              HDRF is the leading non-profit dedicated solely to advanced depression research.

•              Audrey Gruss founded the organization in 2006 in memory of her mother, Hope, who struggled with depression.

•              The mission of HDRF is to fund cutting-edge neuroscience research into the origins, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of depression and other related mood disorders.

•              In 2010, HDRF launched its Depression Task Force – a collaboration of nine leading scientists, at the frontiers of brain science, from different research institutions across the U.S. and Canada. To accelerate breakthrough research, they share ongoing results, in real-time, at the HDRF Data Center.

•              HDRF has invested over $35 million in advanced depression research to date.

About Depression

•              In the United States, depression affects over 20-million adults each year – that is one in 10 adults.

•              Depression is the leading cause of suicide. In the United States, one person dies by suicide every 11 minutes – over 47,000 people per year.

•              Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide.

•              Depression costs society $210 billion annually – 60% of which represents reduced efficiency at work and costs related to suicide.

The Crisis in Research and Treatment

•              50% of those diagnosed with depression do not fully respond to existing treatments. 

•              In 35 years since the introduction of Prozac and other SSRI anti-depressants, there has been almost no change in the treatment of depression.

•              Although depression is one of the most serious and prevalent conditions in the US, it is ranked 77th (out of 250) in the amount of federal funding it receives.

•              Most of the major pharmaceutical companies have discontinued brain research.

What Makes HDRF Different

•              The Depression Task Force represents the most innovative approach to neuroscience research today.

•              The Task Force has created an unprecedented research plan with each member executing a piece of the plan in their own laboratories.  By avoiding well-worn paths of research, the team is shaking up the field for answers that will finally lead to new treatments for depression.  

•              They share results in real-time at a centralized data bank. This allows them to leverage data to accelerate research. This is unheard of in the entire scientific research field which is normally competitive and not collaborative. 

The post Hope For Depression’s Race of Hope Returns To Southampton – In Person & Virtual 08/08 appeared first on NY UNDRESSED.

On Saturday August 5^th, 2017, lace up your sneakers and join Hope for Depression Research Foundation (HDRF) as they set out on the second annual Walk of Hope + 5K Run to Defeat Depression. The USA Track and Field sanctioned event will raise awareness and funds for advanced depression research with every dollar raised going directly to research.

Author Jay McInerney will serve as Grand Marshal and HDRF’s Founder Audrey Gruss will lead participants of runners, walkers and all supporters of all ages on a beautiful route around Lake Agawam in Southampton Village.   The event is high-spirited, family-focused, inspiring and fun. The first 500 participants will receive a keepsake event hat; and prizes will be awarded for best time in different age categories as well as for the top individual fundraiser and top fundraising team.

Audrey Gruss founded HDRF in April 2006 in memory of her mother Hope, who struggled with clinical depression. Today, HDRF is the leading nonprofit organization focused solely on depression research.  The World Health Organization has declared depression as the leading cause of disability worldwide, but despite its prevalence, depression is still misunderstood, underfunded and under-researched. The mission of the HDRF is to fund innovative neuroscience 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.  To date, HDRF has provided more than $20 million through over 125 grants for accelerated breakthrough depression research that promises to lead to new and better medications and treatments. Register online by clicking here or call 212.676.3205.

Registration Information:

• Date: Saturday August 5^th, 2017
• Meeting Point: The Cultural Center, 25 Pond Lane, Southampton, NY
• Time: Check-in begins at 7:45am and the Walk + 5k Run begins at 9am
• Cost: $50 per adult, and $15 per child (14 and under) and includes special hat and t-shirt

The post Hope for Depression Research Foundation’s Summer Fundraising Event appeared first on NY UNDRESSED.