On May 19, 2024, Noelle Saldana and a group of fellow teenagers assisted in hosting a 5k race at Pier 76 in Hudson River Park. The Teen Race of Hope is an annual event, hosted by the Hope for Depression Research Foundation (HDRF), dedicated to educating teens about depression and treatment, fighting the stigma still surrounding mental health, fundraising for advanced research on depression, and more generally reinforcing a sense of community. “Our goal is to build a welcoming community for teens to learn about depression and raise funds for depression research,” explains Saldana.
“I got involved with the Hope for Depression Research Organization during my sophomore year in high school,” recalls Saldana. “I heard about the organization from a friend at Marymount School, and I was interested because the Teen Ambassador program felt like the perfect setting to share my thoughts on depression in teenagers and engage in conversations with like-minded people.”
This year’s race saw exciting collaborations with TalkSpace, offering free online therapy for teens, and Scott’s Protein Balls, providing pre-race nutrition. The opening ceremony, hosted by Savannah Sellers, an anchor on NBC and Morning News Now, featured inspiring speeches from Saldana and her co-lead ambassador, Hayden Lucas.
The success of the Teen Race of Hope was a testament to the dedication and hard work of the Teen Ambassadors. “Our ambassadors raised over $20,000 for depression research,” Saldana proudly shares. For her, the most impactful aspect of the event was the supportive community it provided for teens facing depression, allowing them to connect with others who understood their struggles.
Saldana encourages students unable to participate in the race to get involved in other ways. “Join the mental health club at school!” she advises. “Students can use this club to advocate for mental health awareness around school and share personal stories about anxiety and loneliness.” She also emphasizes the importance of spreading the word on social media platforms. “Follow @hope_hdrf on Instagram,” she suggests, adding that people can even donate to the cause.
Saldana’s journey has not only been personally transformative but has also had a profound impact on the lives of countless teens and their families. Through her advocacy work and the Teen Race of Hope, she hopes to create a world where mental health is prioritized, and no one has to face their struggles alone. “Seeing everything come together is like a dream,” she reflects, “and seeing how happy people are during the Race inspires so many people.”
