Benjamin Lee Silver was a lauded cross-country runner who faced schizophrenia before taking his own life in July 2015 at the age of 21. Be Fit Physical Therapy & Pilates will honor the former runner and the eponymous Ben’s Memorial Mile with a raffle fundraiser in observance of National Men’s Health Week, and the clinic’s 10-year anniversary.
Jamie Lee Silver, Benjamin’s mom and the nonprofit’s founder, will be on hand for presentation of the proceeds. The event will also include food, entertainment, and mental health screenings. Raffle prizes will cover a number of categories, including travel, beauty, fine dining, and entertainment.
Jamie Lee Silver founded Ben’s Memorial Mile in July 2015 following the death of her son Ben. A four-time, all-state track and cross-country runner at Downers Grove North High School, he was diagnosed with schizophrenia in college, following injuries that sidelined his running.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, schizophrenia is typically diagnosed in the late teens years to early thirties, with males usually being diagnosed earlier, by their early twenties. While 4.9% of people with schizophrenia die by suicide, that rate that is far greater than the general population. The highest risk for suicide is in the earliest stages of the illness.
Event Details
Saturday, June 16, 2018
12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Be Fit Physical Therapy & Pilates
4934 Main Street
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Raffle Fundraiser Press Release
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1hspvXyhIOqtDE5Dj4oHmgbtcfSyxu0V2
Men and Depression
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/men-and-mental-health/men-and-depression/index.shtml
Schizophrenia
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/schizophrenia.shtml
Men’s Health Facts
http://befitpt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/menshealthfacts.pdf
National Men’s Health Week
http://www.menshealthnetwork.org/wearblue/friday/
http://www.menshealthnetwork.org/node/769
Ben’s Memorial Mile Website
https://bensmemorialmile.com/
Be Fit Physical Therapy & Pilates Website
Be Fit Blog Post
http://befitpt.com/local-mental-health-nonprofit-to-benefit-from-anniversary-fundraiser/
