Nikki’s Fund promotes mental health awareness

Early Saturday morning, people of all ages met at Prentis Park to take part in a 5k run supporting Nikki’s Fund, a fund dedicated to helping USD students with counseling or diagnosing mental health concerns.

The Nikki’s Fund 5k run/walk is an annual event that promotes suicide prevention awareness in honor of Nikki Harris who passed away 10 years ago. Nikki’s mother, Janine, sought help from the University of South Dakota’s counseling center. This is when they came up with the 5k run/walk, Harris said.

“Many people are here to support Nikki,” she said.  “Some people have their own stories, too.”

Several people just wanted to participate in the walk to be able to commemorate Nikki or their own loved ones.

“I know Janine, and I have supported the Nikki’s fund from the beginning,” Linda Richardson, a walking participant, said. “I have known people who have taken their lives, and this is a great way to bring awareness.”

Some USD students also took part in the race, promoting awareness.

“I’m running in memory of one of my friends,” senior Liz Pekas said. “It’s also a great cause, and it’s good that we bring awareness to it.”

Several families joined the run as well, with kids of different ages helping each other put on their racing numbers.

“We are actually a family trying to be healthy, this is our first 5k,” Cheryl Smith said. “We thought it would be a great cause to run for.”

Another father, Cory Berg, with his son and daughter next to him, was stretching in preparation for the run.

“Fortunately, I haven’t been touched by suicide,” Berg said. “I do support this cause, and I love to run.”

Though it was early in the morning and brisk outside, smiles spread across every participants face as they left the starting line.

“The run was great, a little chilly,” Pekas said. “Fall always has good running weather.”

The gathering of friends, family and community members for support of Nikki’s Fund lead Janine Harris to thank racers before the event.

“I just want to thank everybody for being here today, whether in Nikki’s honor or for a person you’ve lost,” Harris said. “We’ve got to keep talking about it, and we’ve got to keep asking the tough questions, that’s how we’ll win the fight.”

Students and faculty who are in need of counseling are encouraged to seek help from the Cook House on campus.

(Photo: Runners jog and walk in Prentis park during Nikki’s 5k run. Nikki’s Fund 5k run was established in honor of Nikki Harris, who passed away 10 years ago. The Fund raises awareness to suicide prevention and mental illnesses. Eden Hemmingson / The Volante)