Today was the Walk for Hope, and I am happy to report
that we had the largest team since we first participated in 1996 and raised the
most money, about $2000.
The Foundation of Hope raises money for research of
mental illnesses. Their support is unique. The foundation gives so-called seed
money which enables researchers to do the preliminary work necessary to apply
for grants from the CDC for larger studies. That way, a little goes along way,
and the Foundation of Hope has, by this method, been responsible for millions
of dollars spent on research.
Despite all the progress that has been made, mental
illness still bears the stigma of people “just being crazy or making it all up”. People will happily talk about any other
ailment as long as somebody is willing to listen, yet mental health is under an
embargo.
Yet, just about all of us know a person suffering from mental
illness. It can be difficult to deal with a person thus afflicted. We often
lack the right words in the face of physical disability, and mental illness
leaves us even more befuddled as to what to do or what to say. So we look away
and pretend not to see. Understandable? Yes. But should we not approach this
with as much compassion as we have towards those who suffer from a physical
illness?
It’s worth a try.
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