Press Releases

West Islip, New York, March 3, 2008 — The Sounds of Silence Foundation will sponsor their 1st annual 5k Run/Walk/Stroller-Walk on Mother's Day weekend, Saturday, May 10, 2008. The race starts at 9:00 AM at Jones Beach State Park in Wantagh, New York. All are welcome to attend. Mothers with strollers are encouraged to participate and walk with their children and families.

Click here for Registration & Sponsorship information

Envisioned as a celebration of motherhood, the event hopes to raise awareness of pregnancy and postpartum depression. All proceeds will go to benefit the Postpartum Resource Center of New York. This non-profit organization serves New York State women and their families who are at risk for, or experiencing, a perinatal mood disorder. Continued public support will help ensure that the agency can increase education and support programs and reach out to the community through training healthcare providers and building partnerships; their mission relies on support from individuals, private foundations and corporate partnerships. Each gift brings them closer to achieving their vision of establishing a Perinatal Depression Parent Support Network in every New York State community.

Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression are the #1 medical complications related to childbearing. It is estimated that up to 20% of women experience depression during pregnancy or in the first year after giving birth. Health professionals suspect that this number is greater as many cases go unreported. Exercise, a strong support system, and professional assistance, are all factors that can help a woman deal with the symptoms of perinatal mood disorders.

Two sisters established the Sounds of Silence Foundation after one experienced pregnancy and postpartum depression. Concerned by the lack of services available to treat this disease, the sisters made a pact to break the stigma of perinatal mood disorders and postpartum depression. "We vowed to break the silence of mothers suffering alone from pregnancy and postpartum depression and to build sounds of hope for mothers and their families." explained Erin Reilly, co-founder of the Sounds of Silence Foundation. "Through this community of support we hope to reach out to women and their families everywhere. We are committed to raising funds for the Postpartum Resource Center of New York so they may continue their current programs and services and have the resources to develop additional ones."

Additional information on pregnancy and postpartum depression, including symptoms, treatment options and support services, can be found at postpartumNY@org or calling the warmline at 631- 422-2255

Additional event information and registration details can be found on the Sounds of Silence Foundation's website at soundsofsilencefoundation.org.

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