Dear Readers,
I am on a late entry team, Team
BipolarXpress. If you in a position to support my journey to change minds one step
at a time, then please go here.
NAMI - National Alliance on Mental Illness
NAMI is the largest education, support, and advocacy organization
serving the needs of those whose lives are touched by these serious mental
disorders. This includes persons with psychiatric disorder, their
families, friends, employers, the law enforcement community and policy makers.
The NAMI organization is composed of approximately 1100 local
affiliates, 50 state offices and a national office. Each year NAMI works to
break down barriers and improve services with those with serious mental
illnesses, such as Bipolar Disorder.
The Good
NAMIWalks is an effective way to educate and advocate others about
psychiatric disorders. The goals of the NAMIWalks program are: to fight the
stigma that surrounds mental illness: to build awareness of the fact that the
mental health system in this country needs to be improved; and to raise funds
for NAMI so that they can continue their mission. And NAMI does this at no
cost to them!
The Bad
It seems like mental illness strikes almost every family in some
fashion. Yet, because of the stigma attached to it and the discrimination that
surrounds it, it is difficult to find appropriate assistance. NAMI works to ensure assistance is
available for those that need it!
The Ugly
The ugly part of this whole mess is the suffering of those with
psychiatric disorders, their caregivers, and concerned friends and family.
While we don't have cures for the disorders, there exists ample resources in
this country to make the lives of each person affected by Bipolar Disorder much
more bearable.
In my view the only real ugliness out there is the crime that all
people affected by the disorder are not on the road to wellness!
Will You Support Our Cause?
If you would like to help our cause please visit my event walker
page. It features a link so you can sponsor me online. Donating
online is fast and secure. No donation is too big or small. Even a
donation of $10 (their minimum) is a personal VOTE for our cause!
NAMI is a 501(c)3 charity and any donation you make to support my
participation in this event is tax deductible. NAMI has been rated by
Worth magazine as among the top 100 charities "most likely to save the
world" and has been given an "A" rating by The American
Institute of Philanthropy for efficient and effective use of charitable
dollars.
Thank you for your consideration and support! Keep on truckin.
Jeff
It seems like mental illness strikes almost every family in some
fashion. Yet, because of the stigma attached to it and the discrimination that
surrounds it, it is difficult to find appropriate assistance. NAMI works to ensure assistance is
available for those that need it!
The ugly part of this whole mess is the suffering of those with
psychiatric disorders, their caregivers, and concerned friends and family.
While we don't have cures for the disorders, there exists ample resources in
this country to make the lives of each person affected by Bipolar Disorder much
more bearable.
This post is dedicated to those who donated and walked with me in the 2011 NAMIWalks for Ventura County. We had many generous donations and a fun walking team of eleven people and dogs. Our team name was Walking on the Wild Side!
I want to personally thank you for donating to our walk. You are making a
difference in reducing the stigma of mental illnesses and directly
supporting the Ventura County chapter of NAMI.