The Alana Faith Chen Foundation Is Having Their Annual ‘Run for Alana’ May 5th.

TW- Suicide

The Alana Faith Chen Foundation was founded in 2019 after Alana Chen died by suicide. The mission of AFCF is to provide financial support to LGBTQ+ who are at risk of suicide so they can get the mental health support they need.

The 5th annual Run for Alana is happening at Odell Brewing Sloan’s Lake in Denver or virtually. AFCF is asking those to 3 miles of either walking, running or biking as they raise awareness for LGBTQ+ mental health. Why 3 miles? LGBTQ+ youth are 3x more likely to attempt suicide than their peers. The goal is to raise $7,500 for 100 free therapy sessions for those in critical need. As of 5/1 the goal is halfway met. Check in starts at 10:30 and the run begins at 11am. At 12pm Odell Brewing is hosting an after party with free beer and a giveaway for participants.

Alana Faith Chen was a 24-year-old who died by suicide in 2019 after years of conversion therapy and sexual oppression in Colorado. Chen’s dream was to work to help empower those who are oppressed and marginalized to find freedom, to find healing, and to find a voice.  Adventure therapy, art therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy were all things that helped Chen in her recovery and healing. Alana hoped to specialize in those areas when she would become counselor. She wanted to somehow make access to quality mental health services for the queer community more accessible and affordable. Her family is now making it their mission to do just that. They especially fight the LGBTQ+ community who have suffered from conversion therapy, religious abuse, shame by their church, community, or another institution.

No matter where you live or your ability to run you are invited! RSVP today and ask friends and family to sponsor you or donate to honor Alana’s memory. Just remember to stay safe and have fun and be sure to share your run on social media and tag @alanafaithchenfoundation to raise awareness and celebrate together.

Photo courtesy of Carissa Chen