Doing Our Part

When a person is diagnosed with a physical illness, more often than not they are immediately showered with sympathy, love, and support.

When a person is diagnosed with a mental illness, more often than not they are immediately abandoned by the same people who would have supported them through a physical illness.

This is so very, very wrong.

Thank goodness for the National Alliance on Mental Illness.  NAMI is the largest education, support, and advocacy organization that serves the needs of all those whose lives are touched by mental illness.  This includes persons with mental illness, their families, friends, employers, the law enforcement community and policy makers.

Five years ago someone I love dearly was diagnosed with a mental illness.  Fortunately, he is one of the lucky ones who has a family that is educated and supportive, thanks in part to NAMI.  Though it has definitely been a bumpy road, this loved one is currently doing well, but it is a battle he fights every day, and admire him for it.

Last year I discovered NAMIWalks.  This year's Portland walk is on May 20, and our family is excited to participate!  Last year I walked alone, but this year Chris and the girls are joining me.  This is something that we, as a family, can do to help raise awareness for this amazing organization, and to help fight the stigma that, honestly, should no longer be surrounding mental illness.  We are also hoping to raise a little money for the organization.

If you feel inclined or inspired to support us in this event, please visit our walker web page, where you will find a safe, easy, and secure way to donate to the cause.  Every little bit helps.

If you are interested in joining us, we'd love to add to our numbers!  You can also find information on our web page about signing up as a walker yourself.  If you're far from Portland but are still interested in walking, you can find information about NAMIWalks nationwide right here.

It's time to get rid of the stigma and realize that people with mental illness deserve the same respect and right to treatment as those with physical illnesses.

We're doing what we can to help out.  Will you help, too?