Presenting Sponsor Capital Digestive Care/Gastrointestinal & Liver Disease Specialists
Race creator and CHAS Foundation Board of Director member, Dr. Mark Lawson's story:
"I have had many challenges in my life as a Naval Officer and physician but my greatest challenge was in trying to help my beautiful daughter cope with mental health issues. I was shocked how difficult it was in Tidewater to receive timely, adequate mental health care even as a member of the medical community. My daughter’s needs progressively escalated with much of the burden of caring for her mental illness falling on the family.
The anxiety and worry was crushing at times as we searched for the resources to help her get better. Even having excellent health insurance was of little help in getting the resources she needed. We lost this beautiful young lady on January 23, 2013 and have dedicated ourselves to the advancement of effective mental health care and improved mental health resources for patients and families in Tidewater. Being an avid runner, I though putting on a charity race to raise funds for this cause was in order. Out of this personal loss has come The CHAS Foundation 5K Walk/Run. 100% of funds raised will go to supporting The Chas Foundation and improved mental health care in Hampton Roads."
