Annual Kennedy Kids 5K Race held at Barry University in Miami Shores

MIAMI SHORES, Fla. — Runners hit the pavement for a special 5K event in Miami-Dade County on Sunday morning.

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It was the 4th annual Kennedy Kids 5K Race for teen mental health and suicide.

The 5K was held at Barry University in Miami Shores.

Organizers described the event as family-friendly, featuring food trucks, music and local vendors from the community.

Though the race was met with celebration, the reason behind the run comes with a somber tone.

It’s in honor of a young teenage girl, Kennedy Bailey, who took her own life on this very week four years ago.

She was a passionate runner, so the event celebrates what she loved most, but it also has become a source of strength for families across the country.

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That includes Gaby Galeas, who was running Sunday in honor of her son, Brandon Lainer, who took his own life seven years ago.

“I lost my son Brandon in 2019 to suicide, and I’m here for that reason, and for all those who have lost their life and that are struggling as well,” she said while holding a picture of her son. “He’s always with us, and that’s what keeps me going, and also wanting to raise awareness and talk about this thing that a lot of people don’t like to talk about, which is mental health and suicide, and to help those that are struggling.”

The event is also timely because September is National Suicide Prevention Month.

Organizers are reminding everyone that there’s free resources available for people in need of support, and help is available 24/7 by dialing 9-8-8.

All proceeds collected at Sunday’s event will benefit the Kennedy Kids Foundation that supports teens and their families struggling with mental health issues.

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