RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The heavy rain didn’t stop nearly 5,000 people from showing up for the second annual SpeakUp5K marathon at Byrd Park.
The annual race is held in honor of late teen Cameron Gallagher, who died from an undiagnosed heart condition last year during the Shamrock Half Marathon in Virginia Beach.
“She was just the most fun person to be around,” said Abby Donelson, who was a friend of Gallagher’s. “Just a wild and fun way about her, and she was always laughing and just smiling.”
But Gallagher was also battling teenage depression, something she dedicated her life to when she drew up plans to host her own 5K to raise awareness about teen depression and anxiety. And it’s the reason nearly 5,000 showed up in the rain – to fulfill her dream.
“She would just be absolutely in awe and i know she’d be so proud of what she’s started,” said Cameron’s mother, Grace Gallagher. “But i also think she’s proud of the community that have risen to the occasion and said, yes… this is important, let’s go with this.”
Cameron’s brother, Andrew Gallagher added, “it’s just really amazing that people still, you know, want to come out and support the cause and just really making Cameron’s vision, to fight the stigma around mental illness.”
According to Grace Gallagher, Cameron coped with her depression by posting positive quotes all over her room, something that’s been recreated for runners this year with the addition of quote, “Alley.”
“When you go through quote ‘Alley,’ Cameron is talking to you and giving you positive reinforcement,” Grace Gallagher said.
Cameron’s friend, Donelson, was supposed to be her partner in organizing her neighborhood 5K before she died. She doubts Cameron would believe the turnout over the last two years.
When asked what Cameron would say if she could see all of it, Donelson gave her best impression: “Oh my gosh! This is so cool abby! What’s going on?! Oh my gosh!”
