Attitudes in Reverse second annual Miki & Friends Walk & Run for AIR event will be held Saturday, May 18, in the East Picnic Area of Mercer County Park, West Windsor.
AIR, established by Kurt, Tricia and Katelyn Baker of Plainsboro in 2010, shortly after their son/brother Kenny completed suicide following a long battle against severe depression and anxiety. Their mission is to save lives by educating students about mental health, related disorders, and suicide prevention.
The event will continue to be held on the third Saturday in May, which holds spiritual significance for the Bakers: it is close to the anniversary of Kenny’s death. John and Alicia Nash of West Windsor are honorary chairs of the event.
“We are thrilled that Dr. and Mrs. Nash support our mission to educate students about mental health and the fact that individuals with mental disorders can achieve great successes,” the Bakers said. “Dr. Nash is one example of many impressive and inspiring people who have succeeded in managing mental health disorders and contributing so much to the world, and Mrs. Nash demonstrates the importance of support from family members.”
Nash, the 1994 recipient of the Nobel Prize in Economics for his doctoral thesis on game theory. He and his wife, Alicia, were the subjects of “A Beautiful Mind,” a 2001 film. “We admire the Bakers and support them whole-heartedly in their mission,” says Alicia Nash in a press release.
“When we learned about Attitudes in Reverse, we became instant supporters,” says Nash, a longtime resident of West Windsor in a press release. “This organization is providing a critical need for young people who seem to experience a tremendous amount of stress in their personal and academic lives, at a time when they are also experiencing major physical changes and statistically, the highest risk of developing mental illnesses.”
The Bakers strive to communicate to students in middle and high schools and colleges that mental health disorders can be treated and that individuals should not feel any shame or embarrassment if they need help coping with stress and difficult emotions, whether or not they develop any mental health disorders. They envision a future where mental health disorders will be discussed openly and treatment will be sought without hesitation and without stigma or any other barriers.
“To achieve this goal — and accomplish our mission of saving lives — we educate students about how to strengthen their mental health, recognize signs of mental health disorders, and seek help when needed,” says Tricia. “We are pleased to have had opportunities to speak to more than 10,000 students in our first two years.”
Atha, an alternative progressive rock band, will perform at the event. The band was founded in 2011 by Max Pfister of Plainsboro. A graduate of Carson Long Military Institute in 2010, he is a student at the University of New Haven. Musicians include Pfister on guitar, bass, and vocals; Lainey Bein, on bass, guitar, and lead vocals; and Nick Alverez, who brings rock, dance, and punk beats to the background.
Xenia Sky, a singer songwriter from Red Bank, will also perform. Her song, “Heart on Track,” was inspired by Kenny. “His death had a profound effect on me even though I did not know him well,” says Sky. “Tricia heard the song and asked me to play it at the first AIR event.”
“Tricia and Kurt are so brave to start a discussion that’s been needed for years. It’s very unfortunate that a lack of understanding leads to judgment,” says Sky. “The Bakers are so wonderful and I feel so much respect and gratitude for them.”
Attitudes In Reverse also focuses on information about Paws for Minds, a program through which displaced dogs with the ability to serve as emotional support dogs, are matched with individuals who have mental illnesses or developmental disabilities, thereby saving two lives with each match.
5K Run and Dog Walk, Attitudes in Reverse, Mercer County Park, East Area, West Windsor. Saturday, May 18, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 5K run begins at 9 a.m. Dog walk begins at 10 a.m. Therapy Dog International, Canine Good Citizen evaluations, Ask the Trainer, Blessing of the Animals, massage for dogs, Heavenly Hound demonstrations, Maverick Pet Partner nutrition advice, and more. The event was inspired by Miki, a pomeranian who has been educating youth about mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Register online. www.attitudesinreverse.org.
